Gadi Eisenkot reaches out to Netanyahu allies as he strives to form government
Summary
Gadi Eisenkot received a 28-day mandate from Israeli President Isaac Herzog to try to form a government after October’s election left both major blocs short of a majority. He appealed to parties aligned with Benjamin Netanyahu to join a coalition under Eisenkot’s leadership, but potential partners disagree over cooperation with Arab-led parties and exemptions from military service for ultra-Orthodox men.Key Facts
- Eisenkot leads the Yashar party and previously served as Israel’s military chief.
- Eisenkot’s opposition bloc won 48 of the Knesset’s 120 seats; Netanyahu’s camp won 53.
- Both Arab-majority lists endorsed Eisenkot during consultations with Herzog.
- Eisenkot says Arab parties joining his coalition would need to recognize Israel as a Jewish state and call Hamas a terrorist organization.
- Yisrael Beiteinu, a partner in Eisenkot’s bloc, has said it will not join a coalition with Arab-led parties.
- Eisenkot and his partners campaigned to end longstanding military draft exemptions for ultra-Orthodox men.
- Netanyahu has alleged that Arab parties stole the election but has offered little or no evidence, according to the article.
- Israel’s Central Elections Committee and Herzog said the election was valid; the Shin Bet is investigating possible foreign interference.
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