Eisenkot Pursues Stable Government Amid Complex Coalition Talks

Prime Minister-designate Gadi Eisenkot has spent his first week navigating complex coalition negotiations, a week after being tasked by President Yitzhak Herzog with forming a new government. With approximately three weeks remaining on the official timeline, Eisenkot is working to build a stable administration, which also involves consolidating the 'change bloc's' control over the Knesset through committee leadership and appointments. He has yet to publicly address potential deals with Haredi parties or the price for their inclusion, nor has he detailed plans for cooperation with the United Arab List, despite calls from Yair Golan. This latter issue is sensitive, as MK Yoav Segalovich is second on the list, but many in Eisenkot's bloc, including Avigdor Lieberman, oppose the United Arab List joining the coalition.

Eisenkot has invited all Knesset factions and members who agree with his four core principles to join emergency government talks, stating his commitment to exhausting all possibilities to form a good and stable government. He emphasized building partnerships based solely on Israeli principles and interests. Responding to concerns from Miriam Peretz, mother of MK Elisaf Peretz, about potential Arab party involvement, Eisenkot expressed confidence in Elisaf Peretz and stated he would not allow the defamation of an entire community. He also criticized the Likud party's campaign against Arab citizens, calling it irresponsible and contrary to Israel's values as a Jewish and democratic state.

Negotiations are proceeding on two tracks: a formal team led by Ronen Manelis, Yoav Horowitz, and Yoram Turbovich engaging with party teams, and direct meetings Eisenkot is holding with party leaders, so far limited to the 'change bloc.' Eisenkot hinted at significant behind-the-scenes developments. His schedule included inviting all Knesset factions, particularly Likud and the Religious Zionism party, to join based on his principles; a meeting with Avigdor Lieberman; reaching understandings on appointing Matan Kahana as Knesset Speaker; and meeting with Lieberman, Golan, and Yair Lapid. He canceled talks with Likud due to Benjamin Netanyahu's 'incitement speech' and later criticized Netanyahu regarding potential war with Iran. A security briefing with Netanyahu concluded with a joint statement.

Avigdor Lieberman announced he would head the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, viewing it as crucial for oversight and preventing military actions for political aims, calling it a step toward a stable coalition government. Unusual security meetings between Eisenkot and Netanyahu have fueled speculation about a national unity government, though no political issues were reportedly discussed. Eisenkot has instructed to resume Likud negotiations next week. However, the 'change bloc' prefers a government with Haredi parties over one led or partnered with Netanyahu, with Lieberman and Golan opposing a unity government, though it remains an option if Haredi party talks fail.