Eisenkot sets four conditions for new Israel government
The former defense chief has six weeks to build a coalition that accepts a Jewish democratic identity, universal service, and a specific stance on Hamas.
By Tomas Gonzalez ·
Gadi Eisenkot received the mandate to form Israel’s next government on Sunday.
President Isaac Herzog gave Eisenkot six weeks to secure 61 of the 120 Knesset seats. If Eisenkot fails, the president may turn to Benjamin Netanyahu. Netanyahu has urged Eisenkot to join an emergency national unity government, but Eisenkot is moving forward with his own change bloc. This group includes his Yashar Party, B’Yachad, Yisrael Beitenu, and the Democrats. Eisenkot said he would send formal invitations to every Knesset faction to join a coalition based on four specific principles.
The first condition requires recognition of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state. Parties must accept the country’s Jewish national identity and its democratic institutions. This stance has historically been contentious for the two Arab parties, which hold 19 seats. It also poses a challenge for far-right and ultra-Orthodox parties. These groups have recently worked to overhaul the judiciary, a key check on government power. The second condition is acceptance of the values in the 1948 Declaration of Independence. Eisenkot points to sections that promise complete social and political equality for all citizens regardless of religion, race, or sex. The declaration also commits the state to freedom, justice, and peace.
The third principle mandates military, national, or civilian service for all citizens. This serves as a direct message to ultra-Orthodox parties. United Torah Judaism, which holds seven seats, abstained from recommending a prime minister on Thursday. It did not endorse Netanyahu. Both UTJ and Shas have long resisted a universal draft law for yeshiva students. The Supreme Court has ruled that the blanket exemption for these students lacks a legal basis. Eisenkot’s condition tells these groups that everyone must contribute, whether through the army or community service. This rule could keep ultra-Orthodox parties out of the coalition or force them to show flexibility.
The final condition is recognition of Hamas as a terrorist organization. The coalition must commit to dismantling Hamas’s military and governing power. Leaders of the Islamist Ra’am Party and the Joint List have refused to make this statement publicly. Ra’am leader Mansour Abbas said he has an unequivocal answer but needs space to remain a bridge. He cited personal safety and ties to the Muslim Brotherhood as reasons for his silence. Joint List members argue that labeling Hamas a terror group risks delegitimizing the broader Palestinian political movement. They fear the label could be used to justify ongoing military campaigns in Gaza and the West Bank.
Eisenkot will begin formal talks with Knesset factions immediately. The deadline for forming a government is six weeks from Sunday.
