Eisenkot explores minority government backed by Ra’am, UTJ abstentions - report

Gadi Eisenkot has authorized an examination of a possible minority government that would take office with Ra’am and United Torah Judaism abstaining, Ynet reported Sunday, outlining a potential route to replacing Prime Minister Netanyahu after Israel’s inconclusive election.

Under the scenario, Eisenkot’s 48-seat bloc would gain the active support of Ra’am lawmaker Yoav Segalovitz, bringing it to 49 votes. If United Torah Judaism withheld its seven votes from Netanyahu, the incumbent’s opposing bloc would fall from 53 seats to 46.

The proposal also assumes that the Joint List would refrain from voting against the government.

According to Ynet, Eisenkot’s bloc does not intend to negotiate with the faction, but is relying on its previously stated willingness to allow Netanyahu’s replacement. Joint List lawmaker Ahmad Tibi has said his party wants to bring down Netanyahu’s government.

The arrangement remains exploratory and would require significant compromises across parties with conflicting priorities.

Yisrael Beytenu leader Avigdor Lieberman has publicly rejected joining a government dependent on Arab or ultra-Orthodox parties, whether “directly or indirectly.” His position presents a major obstacle to the proposed arrangement.

Eisenkot’s team is reportedly examining whether United Torah Judaism would provide support from outside the coalition until legislation addressing exemptions from military service is passed, then formally join the government.

Reaching such an agreement would be difficult. Conscription exemptions are a central priority for the ultra-Orthodox party, while the scope of any concessions Eisenkot would accept remains uncertain.

Ra’am’s demands would also need to be addressed. Party leader Mansour Abbas wants his faction to be part of the coalition, even if Segalovitz is its only representative serving in the government, according to the report.

Ynet reported that the minority-government option could also serve as leverage in negotiations with Netanyahu over a unity government. Such an arrangement currently faces resistance from many within Eisenkot’s bloc.

The parties seeking to replace Netanyahu have yet to agree on a candidate to succeed Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana. Eisenkot wants the position allocated to his faction, while Lieberman is seeking it for Yisrael Beytenu lawmaker Oded Forer.

Responding to the report, Eisenkot’s Yashar party said it remained committed to replacing the current government but declined to discuss private deliberations.

“The various reports are not issued on our behalf and do not necessarily describe reality as it is,” the party said.