‘Israel’ is facing mounting uncertainty over the formation of its next government, with options ranging from a rotation of the premiership between Benjamin Netanyahu and Gadi Eisenkot to fresh elections or a unity government amid escalating security tensions, Channel 14 reported.
Eisenkot, head of the Yashar party, has stepped up efforts to assemble a broad-based government, firmly ruling out joining any coalition led by Netanyahu and calling for the immediate mobilization of a parliamentary majority to advance his political agenda.
According to Channel 14, the election results have left Israeli political forces facing three possible scenarios: A rotation agreement between Netanyahu and Eisenkot, without any commitment from Netanyahu to retire from politics; another round of elections that could leave the political deadlock unchanged; or a security escalation that could reshape the political landscape and pave the way for a unity government.
Eisenkot, however, has outlined a separate course, pledging to form a government based on a broad popular majority. He set out four principles for a prospective coalition: “maintaining Israel as a Jewish and democratic state, upholding the Declaration of Independence, enforcing mandatory military conscription for all, and dismantling Hamas’s military and political capabilities,” according to the report.
He said the door was open to any Knesset member willing to endorse these principles, while calling for the parliamentary majority to repeal judicial legislation, establish a state commission of inquiry into the October 7 events, and advance mandatory conscription.
“I will not join any government led by Netanyahu,” Eisenkot said, adding that he intended to activate the parliamentary majority immediately and push for the establishment of a government commission of inquiry. He also reportedly told associates that he did not want a unity government with Netanyahu, whom he accused of being detached from reality.
Contacts within Opposition
Eisenkot met with Yair Lapid on Sunday evening to discuss the election results and coordinate their next steps, citing their shared commitment to implementing the Israeli electorate’s will. Yashar, meanwhile, announced that Likud ministers and Knesset members were also in contact with the party.
Meanwhile, talks with Arab political forces have gained momentum. Joint List chairman Yousef Jabareen revealed that Naftali Bennett, Eisenkot, and Lapid were holding direct discussions with the alliance.
Joint List chairman Ahmad Tibi, for his part, pledged to support Eisenkot in replacing the Knesset speaker, oppose Likud’s no-confidence motions, and refrain from initiating legislation to dissolve the Knesset.
Separately, Channel 13 reported that Ashkenazi ultra-Orthodox parties within the United Torah Judaism alliance were holding consultations to determine their position on government formation.
The political maneuvering comes amid mounting public pressure, with a large demonstration held in Tel Aviv on Sunday evening demanding the formation of a new government in cooperation with Arab parties.
Lieberman and Speakership
Meanwhile, Avigdor Lieberman dismissed speculation that he was seeking the Knesset speakership, saying he had received several requests to assume the position but had no intention of doing so.
Amid the growing political tensions, Israeli public broadcaster Kan quoted former police chief Moshe Karadi as warning that any rejection of the election results or refusal to transfer power could trigger widespread unrest.
Such a scenario, he cautioned, could bring rival political camps into the streets and lead to violent confrontations between them.
Source: Hebrew media (translated and edited by Al-Manar)