From Indiatimes · Kanchan Yadav · · 2m
Netanyahu in panic as Eisenkot bloc secures Knesset positions
Netanyahu faces panic as Eisenkot-led bloc finalizes key Knesset appointments.
In brief
Netanyahu faces panic as Eisenkot-led bloc finalizes key Knesset appointments. Netanyahu's government formation efforts are in crisis after Eisenkot secured agreements with four opposition leaders to fill critical Knesset roles. Originally reported by Indiatimes.
Netanyahu's panic
Former Bibi adviser Nir Hefetz claims Netanyahu is gripped by panic over possible ousting by opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot.
“Panic is a major factor in his decision-making”
Personal crisis
Netanyahu's family faces disruption as Hefetz notes life at home would be difficult without prime minister status.
“Life at home would not be easy for him, to put it mildly”
Eisenkot's mandate
Eisenkot secured agreements with four opposition leaders to fill key Knesset positions for the next government.
“I have reached an agreement with my partners, the leaders of the change and reform parties, Naftali Bennett, Yair Golan, Avigdor Liberman, and Yair Lapid, on the prospective candidates for key positions in the 26th Knesset”
Key appointments
Matan Kahana will become first female Speaker of Knesset, Liberman heads Foreign affairs committee, and Liran Avisar Ben Horin chairs Finance Committee.
“Speaker of the Knesset, former minister and incoming MK Matan Kahana”
Seat count
Netanyahu's bloc won 53 seats in Knesset, while Zionist opposition secured 48 and Arab-led parties held 19.
“Netanyahu's governing bloc won 53 seats in the 120-member legislature, while the Zionist opposition parties secured 48”
Mandate to form government
Eisenkot received mandate to form next government from President Isaac Herzog after securing recommendations from 67 lawmakers.
“Eisenkot received mandate to form the next government from President Isaac Herzog on Sunday after securing recommendations from lawmakers representing 67 seats”
Timeframe
Eisenkot has 28 days to form government with possible two-week extension.
“Eisenkot has 28 days to form a government, with a possible two-week extension”
Ultra-Orthodox parties
Ultra-Orthodox parties hold 13 seats and could prove crucial for coalition negotiations.
“The ultra-Orthodox parties, which hold 13 seats and have traditionally been Netanyahu's allies, could prove crucial to the coalition negotiations”
Eisenkot's strength
Hefetz argues Netanyahu views Eisenkot as more formidable political opponent than former PM Naftali Bennett.
“Netanyahu knows this very well. Eisenkot is not afraid of him, and he knows he cannot mess with Eisenkot”
Eisenkot's reputation
Eisenkot's military background and personal credibility could help secure support from ultra-Orthodox parties.
“That is also his main weapon in forming a government”
Corruption trial impact
Netanyahu's corruption trial could face stricter attendance requirements if he moves to opposition.
“The panel of judges sitting in the District Court, which allows Amit Hadad to run the proceedings, will tell him: 'You will attend every hearing'”
Netanyahu's strategy
Netanyahu may offer further concessions to prevent Eisenkot from taking office.
“The closer Gadi Eisenkot gets to forming a government, the less Netanyahu will be willing to settle for”
Unity government
Netanyahu's call for national unity government may be a political move to slow Eisenkot's efforts.
“The moment Eisenkot enters negotiations with him over a unity government, it becomes less urgent”
Eisenkot's military experience
Eisenkot claims his war experiences changed his perspective on political pressure.
“After everything I went through in the last war, nothing can touch me”
Eisenkot's coalition
Eisenkot has secured support from Arab lawmakers despite opposition from Zionist parties.
“The backing included support from Arab lawmakers, although most leaders of the Zionist opposition parties have ruled out including Arab parties in a government”
Next steps
Eisenkot must form government within 28 days to avoid further political instability.
“Eisenkot has 28 days to form a government, with a possible two-week extension”
The bottom line
Netanyahu's government formation efforts are in crisis after Eisenkot secured agreements with four opposition leaders to fill critical Knesset roles.
