According to sources, officials from the administration of former US President Donald Trump have conveyed a message to Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the Israeli party Yesh Atid, urging him to form a government as soon as possible and replace Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The message, as reported by Israeli media, was clear: "Form a government now; replace Bibi now." This development comes as Eisenkot advances in his efforts to form an alternative government to Netanyahu's.
The report emerges amid progress made by Eisenkot in his attempts to form a new government. Following consultations at the President's residence, 67 Knesset members recommended assigning Eisenkot the task of forming a government, compared to 46 who backed Netanyahu. On Friday, Eisenkot announced plans to form an "emergency national government," aiming to take office as soon as possible. His proposed government would initially rely on four parties within the "Change Bloc" (Yesh Atid, Yachad, Democrats, and Israel Beytenu), which collectively hold 48 Knesset seats, with external support from Arab parties.
Eisenkot's plan involves securing initial support from the Change Bloc parties and leaving room for other parties and Knesset members to join later. In a post on his social media account, he detailed his efforts to push forward with the plan, stating it aims to expedite the formation of a government based on four Zionist parties that endorse change and reform. He emphasized that this government would be open to the future inclusion of other parties or Knesset members who agree to his core principles.
Eisenkot stressed that Netanyahu's continuation as caretaker Prime Minister, given the absence of a parliamentary majority supporting him, poses significant risks, especially considering Israel's security and diplomatic challenges. He argued that a caretaker Prime Minister heading a minority government, having lost public trust, in a position to direct security and law enforcement agencies, is extremely dangerous and should not be allowed to continue.
Despite the urgency to form a new government, Eisenkot stated that he does not intend to compromise on the four principles he outlined before the elections as conditions for joining a government. His team has been engaged in intensive discussions with potential partners, and notable progress has been made in negotiations. He also expressed his intention to reach out to all Knesset blocs, inviting them to join the government provided they agree to his proposed principles.
Meanwhile, Netanyahu released a video message on Saturday calling for the formation of a national unity government, while warning against a government reliant on support from Arab parties. He stated that the only viable option is a national unity government comprising all parties from the national camp and all Zionist parties committed to preserving the state. Netanyahu's call comes as his term as Prime Minister appears to be ending.
Eisenkot's party responded sharply to Netanyahu's address, characterizing it as "hysterical rhetoric." The party asserted that Netanyahu only began discussing unity after realizing his time in office was limited. This exchange highlights the intense political maneuvering in Israel as the country navigates a critical period in its governance.
Key points
- The Trump administration reportedly urged Gadi Eisenkot to form a government and replace Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
- Eisenkot aims to form an "emergency national government" with initial support from the Change Bloc parties.
- Netanyahu called for a national unity government, warning against reliance on Arab party support.
