Bennett's urges Eisenkot bloc to 'threaten haredi parties, not beg them' to join gov't

Former prime minister Naftali Bennett has urged the Eisenkot-led coalition to "threaten the haredi parties, not beg them, in private discussions about forming Israel's next government," according to Walla. Bennett believes that pressuring the haredi parties to join the coalition would make them more inclined to support the government.

He emphasized that the party must continue pushing for changes in military conscription and benefits for IDF reservists to put pressure on the haredi parties. Bennett has been tight-lipped about his potential coalition partners, with his campaign centered around the "Alliance of Those Who Serve," which included a commitment to change national priorities regarding those serving in the IDF.

Despite Yisrael Beytenu chairman Avigdor Liberman indicating his willingness to join a coalition with haredi parties, Bennett has not yet decided on the best course of action. However, his recent comments suggest that he does not favor offering significant concessions to the haredi parties, instead advocating for maintaining the principles of the election campaign.

Bennett addressed the government formation negotiations publicly for the first time on Tuesday, reiterating his commitment to forming a "Zionist government of national renewal" and helping Eisenkot establish a government of "national renewal."