Credit, Reuters
Israel's new Parliament took office this Tuesday (11/10), as opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot tries to form a government to replace interim Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The former army chief received more recommendations from Knesset (Israeli Parliament) parliamentarians than Netanyahu to form a government. However, not all who support him are willing to join the same coalition.
Eisenkot's four-party bloc won 48 seats in October's elections, while Netanyahu's bloc won 53. Neither achieved a majority in the 120-seat Parliament.
Eisenkot has 28 days to form a coalition, with the possibility of extending it for another two weeks.
Almost half of the new parliamentarians had never held a seat in the previous legislature. Arab-majority parties won a record number of seats.
Shortly after the inauguration ceremony, Netanyahu and Eisenkot warned parliamentarians about the risks of supporting a government led by their opponent.
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"To those who are thinking about forming a government that includes supporters of terrorism and enemies of Israel, or that depends on them, I ask: are you prepared to depend on those whose objective is the destruction of the Jewish State?" said Netanyahu, referring to the possibility of a government led by Eisenkot depending on the support of Arab parties.
Netanyahu also advocated the formation of a government of national unity, which he said would be the only way to face the threat of "a nuclear Iran."
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Eisenkot harshly criticized Netanyahu's statements.
"I sat and listened to the delusional, divisive, hate-filled and shameful speech of the outgoing prime minister, who used a state occasion to make this kind of statement," Eisenkot said.
"Now I am even more convinced that he is not capable of remaining in office for another minute."
The result of the election, widely seen as a plebiscite on Netanyahu, opened a period of uncertainty over who will form the next government.
Netanyahu will remain acting prime minister until a new coalition is formed — a process that could take anywhere from a few days to several months.
One of the most impressive results was the performance of Israel's two alliances led by Arab parties — the United Arab List and the Joint List —, which together won a record number of 19 seats, following an increase in Arab voter participation.
With this, Arab parties could become decisive in the formation of the next government.
Netanyahu, however, ruled out governing with their support, while three of Eisenkot's bloc parties oppose the inclusion of these parties in a coalition.
On Sunday (8/11), President Isaac Herzog tasked Eisenkot with trying to form a government.
In a speech at the presidential residence, centrist party leader Yashar called for the formation of a "national emergency government" — an indirect call for parties to set aside their ideological differences in order to remove Netanyahu from power.
According to Eisenkot, this would require "creative and unconventional political measures".
Eisenkot stated that any party or parliamentarian willing to accept four principles could join the government he intends to form. They are: recognizing Israel as a Jewish and democratic state; accept the values of the Declaration of Independence; support mandatory military, national or civil service for all, including currently exempt communities; and recognize Hamas as a terrorist organization, committing to dismantle its military and government capabilities.
The four demands, however, could pose significant obstacles for Eisenkot's would-be allies.
The call-up of ultra-Orthodox Jewish men to military service — currently exempt from the obligation if they dedicate themselves entirely to religious studies — was one of the main themes of the election campaign.
The ultra-Orthodox United Torah Judaism (UTJ) and Shas parties, which together won 13 seats, strongly oppose any attempt to change the current rules. This was, however, one of the proposals defended by all parties in Eisenkot's bloc during the campaign.
Eisenkot's four principles are also controversial for Arab parties. Both advocate equal national and civil rights for Israel's Arab citizens, who represent around 20% of the population. The vast majority of Israeli Arabs are not required to perform military service, and neither party has publicly recognized Hamas as a terrorist organization.
Still, Arab parties could help Eisenkot form a minority government.
The United Arab List, which won eight seats, said it was willing to join a coalition led by him. The Joint List, which obtained 11 seats, offered parliamentary support without directly participating in the government.
If Eisenkot accepted this arrangement, he would still need to convince the other parties in his bloc to agree.
Avigdor Lieberman, whose Yisrael Beiteinu party won seven seats, has so far refused to join a minority government that depends on the support of Arab parliamentarians.
In exchange for their support, the ultra-Orthodox parties would likely demand important concessions regarding mandatory military service — something that could be unacceptable to most parties in Eisenkot's bloc.
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