Netanyahu buys time as haredi parties weigh Eisenkot coalition, but lacks alternative - analysis

Netanyahu is utilizing the indecision of haredi parties to form a government led by Gadi Eisenkot, while simultaneously attempting to prevent the formation of such a coalition. The haredi parties face a dilemma: join Eisenkot's government or wait for Netanyahu's alternative. However, neither option appears likely to guarantee a parliamentary majority for Netanyahu.

Discussions within the ultra-Orthodox political establishment suggest a push for a unity government, which could potentially address military conscription and budgetary issues. Yet, the haredi parties fear another election, which could lead to unresolved issues such as the legal status of yeshiva students and ongoing enforcement and arrest crises.

The IDF has reportedly reduced the frequency of arrests of haredi draft evaders, potentially to avoid undermining Eisenkot's government formation efforts. Nevertheless, the ultra-Orthodox parties must decide whether to join Eisenkot's coalition or wait for an alternative, the latter of which seems increasingly uncertain. For now, Netanyahu gains time as the haredi parties deliberate, but this delay does little to alleviate his core challenge of securing a parliamentary majority.