Bennett party says no to Eisenkot merger at Herzog talks

President Isaac Herzog raised the possibility of a political merger with Gadi Eisenkot's party during coalition consultations at the President's Residence on Thursday. The question was put to representatives of the Yemina faction, including MK Liran Avisar Ben Horin, who made clear that no such discussions are taking place at this stage. The exchange also touched on the prospects for forming a stable government and avoiding another election.

"Do you see a possibility of uniting or merging with Eisenkot's party?" Herzog asked the faction's representatives, probing whether a joint political move was on the table.

Avisar Ben Horin replied: "We are not discussing political matters of that kind at this stage. We are one very strong faction, very united. We have an incredible team in terms of its quality and experience, people who know how to work together and know how to disagree."

But the conversation did not end with the merger question. Herzog told the faction's representatives that he is looking for a way to enable the formation of a stable government without being dragged into another election cycle.

"The goal is to prevent repeat elections. I am looking for the mechanism that will allow a stable government. The question is whether you see such a possibility," the president asked.

In response, Avisar Ben Horin made clear that from the faction's perspective, the task of forming the government should be given to Gadi Eisenkot.

President Herzog and Liran Avisar Ben Horin (Photo: GPO)

"This is the time to give the task to Gadi Eisenkot. We think we need to go into the closed rooms and sit in the hot seat and reach the best result. It is possible to form a good government for Israel in accordance with the principles we laid out before you."

She also addressed Naftali Bennett's role in the possible move, declaring his support for Eisenkot in efforts to form a government.

"Bennett will do everything, absolutely everything, to help Gadi in this complex mission. He understands its complexity and he will stand behind him in this move," she said.

Eitan Ginzburg also addressed the issue of repeat elections, emphasizing the faction's desire to bring about the formation of a government that can function over time.

"It seems to me there is a consensus, especially among the public, that this sick phenomenon of repeat elections must stop, and we will do everything so that the Knesset serves its full term and a government is formed that can function in Israel. The public has had its say, for better or worse," Ginzburg said.

During the consultations, Herzog also addressed the issue of political disqualifications, after Ram Ben Barak told him: "I know you really don't like disqualifications."

The president replied: "Unequivocally, I think disqualifications are one of our biggest mistakes as a nation, because we distanced ourselves and went to the corners. This is a familiar political phenomenon in many democracies, it only tears the people apart."