Israel’s coalition-building process is entering its decisive stage after chareidi newspapers led Thursday’s editions with the decision by gedolei Yisrael not to endorse any candidate for prime minister in consultations with President Isaac Herzog.
Mati Tuchfeld, head of Channel 14’s political desk, said the prominent placement of the decision was meant to send a clear message. “The chareidi newspapers are leading this morning with the decision of gedolei Yisrael not to support any candidate for the premiership, to make clear that they are not in Netanyahu’s pocket or in Eisenkot’s,” he said.
Tuchfeld said the mandate, which is expected to go first to Yashar leader Gadi Eisenkot, represents a defining test for his political career. Under Israeli law, a candidate tasked with forming a government has 28 days, with a possible 14-day extension.
“Now that it is clear Eisenkot will receive the mandate first, he will have 28 days, plus another 14, to do absolutely everything he can to form a government under his leadership,” Tuchfeld said. “If he fails, not only will he not become prime minister, he may also reach the end of his political road, as happened to other left-wing leaders before him.”
He added that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is not expected to stay on the sidelines while Eisenkot holds the mandate, and will work to keep him from reaching agreements, particularly with the chareidi parties.
“On the other side, Netanyahu will try to put obstacles in Eisenkot’s way, both with the chareidim and with the chareidi factions,” he said. “The goal is to make him fail, so that the mandate to form a government passes to Netanyahu.”
