Eisenkot Explores Minority Government Scenario as Coalition Talks Advance

Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the Yashar! party, is exploring the possibility of forming a minority government relying on the abstention of United Torah Judaism and Ra'am, with active support from Yoav Segalovitch. According to reports, Eisenkot's bloc does not intend to negotiate with the Joint List, though the strategy assumes the Arab party would not obstruct the move, echoing statements by MK Ahmad Tibi that Arab factions aim to replace the government of Benjamin Netanyahu.

Calculations indicate that Eisenkot's bloc currently stands at 48 mandates, while Netanyahu's bloc holds 53—provided United Torah Judaism remains included—and Arab parties command 19. Implementing this complex scenario, alongside Segalovitch and excluding United Torah Judaism from the right-wing alliance, would grant Eisenkot's bloc 49 mandates against 46 for the current prime minister. However, analysts note this option could also serve as leverage in negotiations with Netanyahu regarding a unity government, though internal opposition within Eisenkot's camp remains strong.

Overcoming significant hurdles is essential for this alignment, particularly the vocal opposition of Yisrael Beytenu leader Avigdor Lieberman, who has ruled out any government reliant on Arab or Haredi parties. Eisenkot's team aims to test whether United Torah Judaism would agree to a defensive safety net from the opposition until the passage of a military exemption bill, before officially joining the coalition. Meanwhile, Ra'am leader Mansour Abbas seeks formal coalition inclusion, and coalition partners remain divided over candidates to replace Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana.

President Isaac Herzog is set to begin consultations with faction leaders to determine the candidate tasked with forming a government, with the mandate expected to be assigned following consultations. The designated candidate will have 28 days to present a government, with a possible 14-day extension.