Eisenkot Engages Arab Parties to Form Coalition Government
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Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the Yashar party, has initiated discussions with Israel's Arab parties as he seeks to build a coalition government following recent elections.
Gadi Eisenkot, the leader of the Yashar party, has made his first outreach to Israel's Arab parties, which could be crucial for forming a government after the recent elections. In a statement on Saturday, Eisenkot outlined conditions that any potential coalition partner would need to accept, including recognizing Israel as a Jewish state and acknowledging Hamas as a terrorist organization.
Eisenkot's bloc secured 48 seats, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's bloc received 53. A majority in the Knesset requires at least 61 seats, but a minority government could also be viable if it garners more support than opposition. Despite Eisenkot's clear principles, challenges remain, particularly from Avigdor Lieberman of the Yisrael Beitenu party, who has indicated he will not support a government reliant on Arab party backing.
Additionally, Yousef Jabareen, leader of the Arab Joint List, declined to label Hamas a terrorist group, a key requirement for Eisenkot's coalition. Jabareen stated, "I'm not in an interrogation room" when pressed on the issue. The Arab Joint List has condemned recent violence and attributed high voter turnout in the Arab community to incitement from figures like Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel's national security minister.
Eisenkot has promised to end Hamas's rule in Gaza within 18 months if he becomes prime minister, but it remains uncertain whether Arab parties would support further military action. President Isaac Herzog is expected to consult with party leaders on Wednesday to determine who will be tasked with forming the government, with a 28-day mandate to do so.