Eisenkot and Lieberman Express Confidence in Forming Stable Four-Year Government

Following a meeting, Gadi Eisenkot, head of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, and Avigdor Lieberman, head of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, expressed confidence in their ability to form a stable Israeli government that will last for four years. The meeting was part of political consultations aimed at reaching understandings for the formation of the next Israeli government, after President Yitzhak Herzog tasked Eisenkot with its formation.

A joint statement released after the meeting indicated that both leaders "expressed their full confidence in their ability to form a stable government for four years." This comes amid intensive negotiations among the "change bloc" parties following the Israeli elections on October 27, aiming to establish a new government.

The negotiations face disagreements regarding the composition of the future government and the parties that can secure a parliamentary majority. Eisenkot is pushing for a national emergency government based on four core principles: recognizing Israel as a Jewish and democratic state, adhering to the values of the Declaration of Independence, imposing military, national, or civil service on everyone, and committing to dismantling Hamas's military and governmental capabilities.

Conversely, Lieberman opposes a government reliant on the support of Arab parties but is willing to make concessions regarding the participation of Haredi parties, provided understandings are reached on the conscription law.

Eisenkot received the mandate to form the government from President Herzog after 67 Knesset members recommended him, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu received recommendations from 46 members. Eisenkot has 28 days to form the government, with a possible 14-day extension.