Eisenkot vows not to fold on army service in coalition talks

Yesh Atid chairman Gadi Eisenkot told his faction on Tuesday that he will not compromise on his principles as he works to form Israel's next government, stressing his commitment to military and national service for all Israeli citizens.

"I do not intend to set aside our conscience," Eisenkot declared. "Service for all citizens of Israel, we will not fold that flag."

Eisenkot, who received the mandate to form a government from President Yitzchak Herzog after winning the recommendation of 67 Knesset members, described the gravity of the moment: "The State of Israel is at a crossroads. These are among the most challenging days the state has faced since its founding." He added: "We have a compass and I will not set it aside."

The Yesh Atid leader made clear that his longstanding commitment to the values of the Declaration of Independence and to service for all Israeli citizens, military, national and civilian, will stand at the centre of coalition negotiations. "We will do everything to be worthy of the heavy price," he said, referring to the cost paid by reservists.

Eisenkot said he will negotiate with any political partner who accepts the four principles he has laid out: "We will work together with our partners, Yachad, the Democrats and Yisrael Beiteinu, and we will extend a hand to any partner who accepts our four principles." The central principle among them is the commitment to service for all citizens.

Meanwhile, Yachad chairman Naftali Bennett declared at the opening of his faction meeting that he is doing everything to help Eisenkot form a government. "We have received the tools needed to establish a good government in Israel," Bennett said. "But there is no time. Even at this very moment our reservists along all the borders of the state are crying out for relief."

Bennett stressed: "Therefore we, I, am doing everything to help Eisenkot establish a Zionist government of repair as quickly as possible, so that we can bring about the revolution of those who serve and we can begin to repair the State of Israel." His remarks come against the backdrop of pressure to form a government quickly, with Eisenkot having 28 days to assemble a coalition.