Eisenkot says opposition bloc will ‘not surrender’ on conscription amid haredi coalition talks

Gadi Eisenkot, the leader of the Yashar party, declared on Tuesday that the opposition coalition seeking to replace Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will not compromise on the issue of conscripting Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) citizens into the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). This stance came as the opposition bloc, which has been considering partnering with Haredi parties, continues to negotiate during ongoing coalition talks.

Eisenkot reiterated the opposition's commitment to service for all citizens and emphasized that they would not back down from their principles.

In recent days, opposition bloc leaders have begun to consider negotiations with Haredi parties after previously maintaining a hardline stance. The Haredi parties, Shas and United Torah Judaism (UTJ), had vocally opposed legislation requiring Haredim to serve in the IDF due to the military's ongoing manpower shortage. President Isaac Herzog officially appointed Eisenkot as the government-forming prime minister on Sunday, giving him 28 days to do so, with a possible extension of 14 days.

Eisenkot expressed confidence in his ability to form a government, stating that "unconventional steps" may be required. He emphasized that they would work with their partners - B Yachad, the Democrats, and Yisrael Beytenu - and extend a hand to any partner who agrees to their four core principles. Opposition bloc leaders Naftali Bennett (B Yachad), Yair Golan (the Democrats), and Avigdor Liberman (Yisrael Beytenu) also publicly supported Eisenkot during their respective faction meetings.

Bennett assured the opposition bloc that they had received the necessary tools to form a strong government, while Liberman pledged to support Eisenkot as his right-hand man. Both Bennett and Liberman acknowledged that the opposition bloc had received a larger number of votes than they had anticipated, prompting them to seek compromise in the formation of the new government.

Golan called on the opposition to remain open to the inclusion of Arab parties and the public, stating that they possess the capacity to contribute to the nation's well-being.