Eisenkot's bloc divided as Golan eyes minority gov't with Arab support, Bennett stays silent

Tensions and mutual suspicions are emerging within the Eisenkot-led bloc over efforts to form a government, with sources questioning whether Democrats party leader Yair Golan and former prime minister Naftali Bennett are genuinely committed to establishing a coalition with the haredi parties.

Sources within the bloc have expressed doubts about Golan's willingness to move forward with a 61-seat government that includes the ultra-Orthodox parties. According to these sources, Golan clearly prefers the option of a minority government supported by the Joint List and Ra'am and has no interest in forming a coalition with the haredi parties. They maintain that he is not merely keeping both options open but is clearly leaning toward the minority government route.

Against this backdrop, the same sources interpret the liberal legislation on religion and state introduced and submitted by the Democrats as a reflection of the party's genuine ideological position. In their view, the bills are not merely lip service, an attempt to appeal to voters, or a way to pressure the haredi parties. This disagreement is emerging as one of the first major points of contention within the Eisenkot-led bloc.

Suspicions grow over Bennett's intentions

Another source of suspicion within the bloc concerns Bennett's conduct. His faction did not hold a meeting open to the media, instead issuing a brief statement without allowing journalists to ask questions. Bennett himself continues to maintain a low media profile.

In conversations among sources within the bloc, suspicions have emerged that Bennett is not genuinely committed to forming a government and may believe that another election could strengthen his position. According to these sources, maintaining his stance on equal participation in military service and the anti-draft-evasion messages he emphasized during his campaign could benefit him in another election.

Statements by members of Bennett's electoral list regarding their willingness to advance military conscription legislation have also raised questions. In closed discussions within the bloc, concerns have emerged that not all prospective coalition partners share the same vision for forming a government or agree on the compromises required to make it possible.

Haredi parties express unexpected trust in Liberman

Meanwhile, the haredi parties increasingly believe that the negotiations are unlikely to produce agreements that would enable the formation of a government.

Haredi sources stress that their willingness to engage in discussions with the Eisenkot-led bloc is genuine and that they are prepared to consider proposals. They say they have not ruled out the bloc and are not engaging in a political maneuver. Nevertheless, they assess the chances of reaching agreements as slim because of several areas of disagreement.

Liberman clarified at a faction meeting that Gadi Eisenkot's negotiating team is conducting the talks. Liberman said he fully supports Eisenkot, coordinates with him, and meets with him, but is not personally conducting the talks with the haredi parties.

At the same time, several sources within the haredi parties told Maariv that they trust Liberman and believe he can reach understandings with them. According to these sources, their confidence in Liberman is considerably greater than their confidence in Eisenkot and his team.