Liberman pushes for Haredi-backed 61-seat coalition as Eisenkot prepares to receive mandate
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Gadi Eisenkot is set to receive the mandate to form Israel's next government, while Avigdor Liberman seeks a 61-seat coalition with Haredi parties, challenging Eisenkot's proposed minority government.
President Isaac Herzog announced that Gadi Eisenkot will receive the mandate to form Israel's next government on Sunday after securing 67 parliamentary endorsements, outpacing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's 46. Eisenkot has advocated a 48-seat national emergency government, but Avigdor Liberman, chairman of Yisrael Beytenu, is negotiating independently with Haredi parties.
Liberman has stated that he will support either a 61-seat coalition that includes the Haredi parties or call for a new election, rejecting a minority government that would rely on Arab parties for support. He indicated willingness to compromise on issues such as military conscription to bring United Torah Judaism and Shas into a bloc that could reach the required majority.
Shas, which holds six seats, has so far endorsed Netanyahu and its chairman Aryeh Deri has not signaled a shift away from the right-wing bloc, making the party a critical factor in Liberman's calculations.
Democrats chairman Yair Golan and party members issued a statement saying they are open to a partnership with the Haredi community but insist on mutual responsibility, including Haredi military service and greater workforce participation. > "We are extending a hand out of a genuine desire to establish a government of change. Under no circumstances are we offering a blank check," Golan said.
Prime Minister Netanyahu responded by calling for a national unity government, describing it as the only alternative to what he termed "national suicide." > "There is only one choice, not national suicide, but national unity," he said, urging inclusion of all parties that share the national camp's security goals.
Eisenkot now faces two options: pursue his original minority government with outside support from Ra'am and possibly United Torah Judaism, or adopt Liberman's proposal and form a 61-seat coalition that would require concessions on conscription and other policy areas.