Uncertainty about cooperation with Arabs, Israel faces difficulties in cabinet formation talks
Quick Look
- Israeli President Herzog has instructed former military chief of staff Eisenkot, leader of the centrist opposition party Yashar, to form a cabinet.
- Cooperation between the two Arab parties is essential, but it will be difficult to form a coalition government due to fundamentally different perceptions on whether or not Hamas is recognized as a terrorist organization.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
After Israel's general election, President Herzog instructed Eisenkot, leader of the centrist opposition party Yashar, to form a government. The two Arab parties rose to prominence on the back of antipathy toward Mr. Netanyahu, but are at odds with Mr. Eisenkot over whether to recognize Hamas as a terrorist organization.
[Cairo Current Affairs] Former military chief of staff Eisenkot, leader of Israel's centrist opposition party Yashar, plans to immediately begin coalition negotiations after receiving instructions from President Herzog to form a cabinet. However, the two Arab parties that nominated Mr. Eisenkot have taken the position of not recognizing the Palestinian Islamic organization Hamas as a "terrorist organization," and it is not foreseeable that a government united in opposition to Prime Minister Netanyahu will be formed.
Israeli president instructs opposition leader to form cabinet, talks to form coalition to unite anti-Netanyahu camp
Mr. Eisenkot, with the two Arab parties in mind, suggested that Hamas be recognized as a terrorist organization as a condition for cooperation. In his speech on the 8th, he called on the government, saying, ``If we are prepared to accept these conditions, we will become partners with the administration.''
Two Arab parties that support the establishment of a Palestinian state have made strides in the recent general election on the back of antipathy toward Mr. Netanyahu. In order for Mr. Eisenkot to form a coalition government, cooperation between the two Arab parties will be essential.
However, in a press conference on the 5th, Mansour Abbas, leader of the Arab political party Ra'am, spoke of opposition to violence and the need for disarmament, but avoided labeling Hamas a terrorist organization. He emphasized that ``I want there to be room for building bridges'' between Israelis and Palestinians.
Meanwhile, the far-right "My Home Israel" party, which won seven seats, denies cooperating with the two Arab parties. Other Jewish opposition groups also appear to dislike criticism that they have bowed to Arabs.
As a member of the wartime cabinet, Eisenkot supported Hamas's attack on the Palestinian territory of Gaza after its surprise attack on Israel in 2023. Compared to Mr. Netanyahu, who advocates ``complete victory'' against Hamas, he is said to be negative about the endless fighting in Gaza. However, there are fundamentally different perceptions regarding Hamas, and negotiations with Arab parties are likely to be difficult.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
It will be difficult for Mr. Eisenkot to form a coalition government, increasing the possibility that the Netanyahu government will continue or be re-elected.
Likely · Within weeks
Open Questions
- Will Eisenkot succeed in forming a government?
- Will two Arab parties recognize Hamas as a terrorist organization?
- Direction of Gaza policy if a new government is inaugurated
