Eisenkot and Lieberman Meet, Agree on Shared Goal to Form Government

Former ministers Gadi Eisenkot and Avigdor Lieberman met for a lunch that lasted about an hour and a half, emerging with a shared message of confidence in their ability to form a government for four years. However, a central issue remains unresolved. Lieberman proposes examining a framework based on a conscription law he advanced in 2018, adapted for the IDF's manpower needs post-October 7. Yet, no agreed text has been presented with the Haredi parties, and significant disagreements persist within the "change bloc" on core issues.

Sources close to Lieberman are convinced that forming a government with the Haredi parties is possible, even estimating that Shas might join. "Lieberman wouldn't proceed without ensuring it's feasible beforehand," his associates stated, emphasizing, "He is sure Shas is within reach. They know nothing good threatens them in Netanyahu's disintegrating bloc, and joining the change bloc is the lesser of evils."

According to an analysis by Kaspi, significant differences exist between Eisenkot and Lieberman regarding the preferred path to forming a government. Eisenkot favors swearing in a government quickly, relying on external support from Arab parties, and then negotiating to broaden the coalition. Lieberman, conversely, prefers reaching agreements with the Haredi parties first to form a government dependent on their support.

The difference in approaches could be decisive for timelines. Kaspi suggests Eisenkot's plan could be implemented this week, while Lieberman's route requires lengthy and complex negotiations with the Haredi parties. Such talks could stall or collapse at the last minute, leaving Eisenkot and the change bloc without a government. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a video reiterating his call for a unity government, calling it "a necessary need, the need of the hour."