What would Netanyahu sacrifice to bring Eisenkot into a unity government? - analysis
Would Netanyahu be prepared to abandon some of the policies that have sustained his political alliances in exchange for Eisenkot's support?
In the aftermath of Israel's most contentious election, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Yashar's Gadi Eisenkot are striving to forge a coalition government, with both leaders seeking to minimize the need for compromise. President Isaac Herzog has expressed his desire for open dialogue between the parties, aiming to avoid another election. However, forming a majority government without some form of compromise is proving difficult, given the close seat distribution.
The main stumbling block in their negotiations is the haredi draft, a contentious issue that divides the main opposition parties - Yashar, B’Yachad, Yisrael Beytenu, and the Democrats - from Netanyahu and his allies. While opposition parties favor an equal draft for all, Netanyahu's stance supports a system with exemptions for haredi yeshiva students, along with gradual enlistment targets and limited financial penalties.
Disagreements over this issue could lead Netanyahu to abandon the haredi draft exemptions, potentially ending his alliance with Shas and United Torah Judaism, whom he sees as non-negotiable coalition partners.
Another major hurdle in their negotiations is the establishment of a state commission of inquiry into the October 7 massacre. Both Netanyahu and Eisenkot hold opposing views on this matter; Netanyahu has resisted creating a traditional state commission, while Eisenkot, along with other opposition leaders, sees it as a crucial step.
Should Netanyahu agree to an independent investigation, it could pose a threat to his political legacy, as it may reveal decisions made during his government. The question remains whether Netanyahu would accept an inquiry as the price for securing Eisenkot's support.
In addition to the haredi draft and the inquiry into the October 7 massacre, a judicial overhaul is another contentious issue. Netanyahu's government has pushed for reforms to the judiciary, including changes to the judicial appointments process and efforts to limit judicial oversight. Eisenkot opposes these reforms and has vowed to repeal the associated legislation.
However, these judicial disputes are also linked to the inquiry into October 7, as the Supreme Court's president appoints members of a state commission, a mechanism Netanyahu opposes. A potential compromise could involve Netanyahu freezing further judicial legislation, reconsidering existing reforms, and accepting the Supreme Court president's authority to appoint an independent commission.
This would require Netanyahu to make concessions on two critical issues, potentially facing opposition from within his own party.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
