Jerusalem:Israeli Prime Minister-designate Gadi Eisenkot and Yisrael Beytenu party leader Avigdor Liberman expressed confidence on Monday that they could form a government capable of serving a full four-year term, despite ongoing differences over potential supporting parties.
According to Anadolu Agency, Eisenkot's Yashar party described a recent meeting between Eisenkot and Liberman as a 'constructive and productive discussion.' Both leaders expressed full confidence in their ability to form a stable government for the duration of a full term, although the party did not provide details of any specific agreements.
Liberman has ruled out supporting a minority government or one that relies on Arab-led parties, but he has indicated openness to discussions with ultra-Orthodox factions. President Isaac Herzog formally tasked Eisenkot with forming a government on Sunday after he received recommendations from parties representing 67 members of the 120-seat Knesset. This figure includes 19 lawmakers from the two Arab-led lists. Outgoing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's bloc holds 53 seats, while Eisenkot requires the backing of at least 61 lawmakers for parliamentary confidence.
Military draft exemptions have emerged as a complicating factor in the coalition talks. Eisenkot met with former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett on Sunday evening, but neither leader has issued public statements following the meeting. Bennett has not yet declared whether he would support a coalition that maintains military draft exemptions for ultra-Orthodox seminary students, as reported by Ynet.
Bennett's Together party, which campaigned to end government funding for individuals who do not engage in military or national civilian service, has pledged to uphold this commitment. Incoming lawmaker Liran Avisar Ben-Horin affirmed the party's dedication to their campaign promises.
Some members of United Torah Judaism, a longtime ally of Netanyahu, have shown willingness to consider an Eisenkot-led government. However, Hamodia, a publication linked to the Ger Hasidic movement, emphasized that any coalition agreement would need guarantees to protect the status of seminary students.
In preparation for the swearing-in of the new Knesset on Tuesday, Yashar has asked United Torah Judaism and Shas for support in an effort to replace Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana. However, United Torah Judaism declined the request, and Shas is anticipated to withhold its support, according to Ynet.