Politics1 min read

Netanyahu's unity government gambit: Can he lure Eisenkot from opposition?

By · Via Times of India · Published by Everything Blog

In short

Netanyahu's allies have presented options that include either a senior ministerial post or a two-year premiership rotation that aligns with U.S. President Donald Trump's term. Under the proposed framework, far-right ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich would remain, while ultra-Orthodox parties would be temporarily sidelined until an army draft bill passes. Opposition figures are pushing back forcefully, describing any such agreement as political suicide for Eisenkot. The feasibility of any coalition remains pending the Central Elections Committee submitting certified election tallies to the president next week.

Key points

  • The prime minister's coalition strategy relies on drawing key opposition figures across t…: The prime minister's coalition strategy relies on drawing key opposition figures across the aisle despite strong external blowback.
  • Far-right ministers would retain their government presence even as traditional religious…: Far-right ministers would retain their government presence even as traditional religious factions face temporary exclusion over conscription laws.
  • Final government formation moves remain frozen until the Central Elections Committee form…: Final government formation moves remain frozen until the Central Elections Committee formally delivers certified results to the president.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is exploring ways to form a national unity government with opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot following the October 27 election. Meanwhile, Yisrael Beytenu chairman Avigdor Liberman also appears to be distancing himself from the opposition bloc and favouring a unity arrangement, according to reports published in The Jerusalem Post and Maariv.

According to the report, sources close to Netanyahu are reportedly promoting a plan to bring Eisenkot into a government led by the Likud chief, despite Eisenkot's pledge not to serve under him. Meanwhile, N12 News reported on Wednesday that Liberman had cut off contact with Eisenkot and former prime minister Naftali Bennett, and had stopped answering calls from his opposition counterparts.

The developments come as the Central Elections Committee continues to update the results. Its final report is not expected to be submitted to the president until next week. Netanyahu's ability to form a government will depend on the final seat count and whether he can secure support beyond his existing bloc.

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