Netanyahu's Bloc Targets Yashar! Lawmakers to Block Minority Coalition
Israeli political blocs are locked in a fierce struggle to form the next government, with Netanyahu's allies targeting lawmakers in Gadi Eisenkot's Yashar! party to block potential minority coalitions.
Following the recent elections, both the change bloc and the right-wing bloc led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are locked in a fierce political struggle over the formation of the next government. While the change bloc explores options to establish a minority government or secure control of the Knesset, Netanyahu's allies are actively working to identify potential defectors within rival parties to derail the initiative.
The Focus on Yashar!
The primary focus of these efforts is the Yashar! party, headed by Gadi Eisenkot, where right-wing operatives have identified several lawmakers whose ideological stances might make it difficult for them to support a government relying on the tacit backing of Arab factions. While both sides estimate the chances of outright defections as low, the arithmetic leaves little room for maneuver. Netanyahu reportedly needs eight additional lawmakers to secure a right-wing coalition, whereas Eisenkot would need to recruit 13 lawmakers from the right-wing bloc to form a government independent of Arab party support.
Rather than seeking traditional floor-crossers, right-wing strategists are exploring scenarios reminiscent of past political deadlocks, where specific lawmakers refuse to support a particular initiative without officially defecting. In this case, the opposition of just a few Yashar! members to a minority government could critically complicate the change bloc's plans.
Key Figures Under Scrutiny
Among the figures identified by the right-wing bloc as potential pressure points are several prominent newcomers and seasoned politicians:
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Roi Folkman: The former Kulanu lawmaker has been viewed with suspicion by some left-leaning elements due to his past political associations, though he has denied any intention of leaving Yashar! and was recently appointed head of the party's faction in the Knesset.
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Elyasaf Peretz: Known for his outspoken opposition to sitting in governments backed by anti-Zionist parties, Peretz faces pressure regarding Eisenkot's willingness to rely on the abstention of Arab factions, though he remains committed to his political framework.
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Shira Shapira: The mother of late Israel Defense Forces hero Aner Shapira has publicly emphasized her demand for a strictly Zionist majority, raising questions about her stance on minority governments relying on Arab abstention.
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Chili Tropper: Considered a formidable political figure who commands his own faction within Yashar!, Tropper has categorically ruled out joining a government led by Netanyahu, citing past broken agreements, yet remains a central figure in calculations regarding potential coalition splits and the crucial race for Knesset Speaker.
