Will Eisenkot Ally with Arab Parties?

Sources within Gadi Eisenkot's "Yesh Atid" party are examining several options for forming the next Israeli government, including creating a narrow government that enjoys external support from Arab parties. This comes amid estimates indicating an increase in the representation of these parties in the Knesset, which could complicate calculations for forming a governing coalition.

3 scenarios
According to the Israeli newspaper "Maariv," party officials spoke last night about 3 possible scenarios:

A narrow government supported by Arab parties from outside the coalition.
A government based on partnership with a Haredi party or some components of Religious Zionism.
Forming a broad government in cooperation with the "Likud" party, without Benjamin Netanyahu.
Rise in Arab voter turnout
The newspaper noted that growing turnout in Arab cities raised concerns within the "Yesh Atid" party regarding its impact on government formation calculations. Previous estimates indicated Arab parties would win 14 to 15 seats, compared to expectations of reaching 17 or 18 seats.

"Maariv" quoted a party official as saying that the leadership was prepared for the possibility of recording these numbers but needs to convene a meeting of camp leaders to determine the next steps.

In a speech to party supporters, Eisenkot stated that preliminary results reflect a desire for change, saying that Netanyahu's coalition has lost public trust. He added that the Prime Minister faces a larger Zionist majority and called on him to withdraw from political life rather than push for new elections.

In a related context, sources within the party expressed fear that Netanyahu might resort to executing a military operation during the transitional government period, which could complicate the political scene and hinder efforts to form the new government.

Eisenkot addressed security apparatus leaders and the public sector, urging them to adhere to citizens' interests and warning against using Israeli security for political goals.

He said that Netanyahu leads a transitional government lacking mandate and trust, emphasizing that leaders of security and administrative institutions will have his support in facing any attempts to pressure them.

Military conscription
Eisenkot focused in his speech on the issue of military conscription and the establishment of an official investigation committee, both prominent issues on the Israeli political agenda.

He said that the next phase must end evasion of military service, failures, and lies, pledging to represent all segments of Israeli society, whether they voted for his party or not.

He stressed that his goal is to present the next phase as a change encompassing the entire Israeli society, not a victory for one camp at the expense of another.