Tensions and mutual suspicions are emerging within Yashar chairman Gadi Eisenkot’s bloc over efforts to form a government.
People familiar with the matter are questioning whether The Democrats chairman Yair Golan and B’Yachad chairman Naftali Bennett are genuinely committed to establishing a coalition with the haredi (ultra-Orthodox) parties.
Sources within the bloc have expressed doubts about Golan’s willingness to move forward with a 61-seat government that includes the haredi parties. Golan clearly prefers the option of a minority government supported by the Joint List and Ra’am and has no interest in forming a coalition with the haredi parties, they have said.
Suspicions grow over Bennett's intentions
Against this backdrop, those sources interpret the liberal legislation on religion and state introduced and submitted by The Democrats as a reflection of the party’s genuine ideological position. In their view, the bills are not merely lip service, an attempt to appeal to voters, or a way to pressure the haredi parties. This disagreement is emerging as one of the first major points of contention within the Eisenkot-led bloc.
Another source of suspicion within the bloc concerns Bennett’s conduct. His faction did not hold a meeting open to the media. Instead, it issued a brief statement without allowing journalists to ask questions. Furthermore, Bennett continues to maintain a low media profile.
In conversations among sources within the bloc, suspicions have emerged that Bennett is not genuinely committed to forming a government and may believe that another election could strengthen his position. They say maintaining his stance on equal participation in military service and the anti-draft-evasion messages he emphasized during his campaign could benefit him in another election.
Statements by members of Bennett’s electoral list regarding their willingness to advance legislation for military conscription have also raised questions. In closed discussions within the bloc, concerns have emerged that not all prospective coalition partners share the same vision for forming a government or agree on the compromises required to make it possible.
Haredi parties express unexpected trust in Liberman
Meanwhile, the haredi parties increasingly believe that the negotiations are unlikely to produce agreements that would enable the formation of a government.
Haredi sources have said their willingness to engage in discussions with the Eisenkot-led bloc is genuine, and that they are prepared to consider proposals. They say they have not ruled out the bloc and are not engaging in a political maneuver. Nevertheless, the chances of reaching agreements are slim because of several areas of disagreement, they have said.
Liberman said Eisenkot’s negotiating team has been conducting the talks. At a Yisrael Beytenu faction meeting, he said he fully supports Eisenkot, coordinates with him, and meets with him, but is not personally conducting the talks with the haredi parties.
Meanwhile, several sources in the haredi parties told Maariv they trust Liberman and believe they can reach understandings with him. Their confidence in Liberman is considerably greater than in Eisenkot and his team, they said.