Israeli opposition Yashar party leader Gadi Eisenkot has pledged to establish a broad new governing coalition to avert the prospect of another snap election, following consultations with opposition leader Yair Lapid in the wake of Tuesday's inconclusive parliamentary poll.
In a formal statement issued following the meeting, Eisenkot outlined his coalition conditions and governing priorities, reporting that his goal is to establish a "broad Zionist government committed to the national interest".
Eisenkot established four mandatory principles for any prospective coalition partner: recognition of Israel as a "Jewish, democratic, liberal and egalitarian state"; dedication to the values of Israel's Declaration of Independence; universal military, national, or civilian service for all citizens; and recognition of Hamas as a terrorist organisation whose military and administrative capabilities in Gaza must be eradicated.
"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.
Legislative priorities and security policy
Insisting that high voter participation mandated decisive action to prevent further ballots, Eisenkot declared: "On October 27, the public had its say. The composition of Israel's next government must be determined solely by Israeli citizens, without outside interference or manipulation".
His immediate legislative programme includes creating a state commission of inquiry, enacting universal service, bolstering armed forces recruitment, enhancing veteran welfare, and repealing legislation passed under the current government's judicial overhaul.
"Don't let anyone mislead you: In Israel, it is the Knesset that gives the government its vote of confidence, not the other way around," he added.
Regarding prospective strikes against Iran prior to a new administration taking office, Eisenkot stated his backing would remain tightly circumscribed.
"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 noted.
His declarations follow certified Knesset returns awarding Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing bloc 53 seats, Eisenkot's opposition camp 48 seats, and Arab lists 19 seats in the 120-member parliament, leaving both primary coalitions short of the 61-seat threshold required for an outright majority.
