Critical Political Turning Point
Israeli caretaker Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces a turning point in his political career after appointing "Yesh Atid" party leader Gadi Eisenkot to form the government. This move comes amid fears within the "Likud" party of losing power, alongside hopes of thwarting his rival's efforts. This turning point could end with Netanyahu (77) returning to the opposition benches in the Knesset or exiting political life entirely, amid his corruption trial which could lead to imprisonment if convicted.
Moves to Obstruct Formation
Netanyahu is intensifying efforts to thwart Eisenkot's attempts by pressuring the Orthodox Jewish "Haredi" parties to prevent them from joining his government, and by discouraging the formation of a government with or supported by Palestinian parties. Political analyst Anna Parsky of "Maariv" newspaper stated that Netanyahu's moves focus on preventing the Haredi "Yahadut HaTorah" party from joining Eisenkot's government, and exploring the possibility of bringing the "Israel Beiteinu" party, led by Avigdor Lieberman, back to the right-wing camp.
Parliamentary Dilemmas
Ensuring a stable parliamentary majority requires support from at least 61 members of parliament, but neither Netanyahu's camp nor the "Jewish Opposition" possesses this number individually. Netanyahu's camp secured 53 seats, compared to 48 for the "Jewish Opposition," while Palestinian parties won 19 seats. Political analyst Efrat Brenner on the right-wing Channel 14 noted that thwarting Eisenkot's efforts does not necessarily guarantee Netanyahu's success in forming the government himself, as he needs eight additional votes to reach the majority of 61.
Legal Challenges
Alongside political obstacles, Netanyahu faces a legal challenge that could affect his chances of returning to power, through the "Accused Law" project which may prevent a Knesset member facing indictment from being tasked with forming the government. However, the site clarified that the proposed law will not apply during the Knesset term in which it is approved, but only after new elections. Thus, Eisenkot's success in forming a government could return Netanyahu to the opposition, but his chances of returning to power will remain tied to parliamentary balances and legal developments.
Source: Anadolu Agency
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