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Israeli opposition Yashar party leader Gadi Eisenkot said Saturday he would seek to form a broad government and avoid the need for another election, Anadolu Agency reported.
After meeting opposition leader Yair Lapid, Eisenkot set out conditions for joining a coalition and his priorities following Tuesday’s inconclusive parliamentary election, according to Ynet.
“On the basis of these principles, I intend to establish a broad Zionist government committed to the national interest,” he said.
Eisenkot sets four conditions for coalition partners
He reiterated four conditions for joining a future coalition: “recognition of Israel as a Jewish, democratic, liberal and egalitarian state; commitment to the values of Israel’s Declaration of Independence; mandatory military, national or civilian service for all Israeli citizens; and recognition of Hamas as a terrorist organization whose military and governing capabilities in Gaza must be dismantled.”
“The door to the government we establish will be open to any elected official who accepts these principles and is prepared to rise to the occasion,” Eisenkot said.
He pledged to coordinate with political partners and expand cooperation, saying high voter turnout and the challenges facing Israel required efforts to prevent another election.
“On October 27, the public had its say,” he said. “The composition of Israel’s next government must be determined solely by Israeli citizens, without outside interference or manipulation.”
Priorities include inquiry and military service
Eisenkot said his immediate priorities were establishing a state commission of inquiry, introducing mandatory service for all citizens, increasing military personnel numbers, and improving benefits and recognition for those serving.
He also pledged to repeal legislation associated with the government’s judicial overhaul.
“Don’t let anyone mislead you: In Israel, it is the Knesset (parliament) that gives the government its vote of confidence, not the other way around,” he said.
On the possibility of further military action against Iran, Eisenkot said his support before a new government takes office would be limited.
“Until the new government is formed, I will support military action only in response to direct and immediate threats against Israel that cannot wait until the government is sworn in,” he said.
The final Knesset election results gave Netanyahu’s bloc 53 seats, compared with 48 for the opposition bloc led by Eisenkot and 19 for Arab parties in the 120-seat parliament. Neither main bloc won the majority needed to form a government alone.
