The leader Israeli opposition to Prime MInister Netanyahu, and the man most capable, after the Israeli election, of replacing him, Gadi Eisenkot posted](https://x.com/gadi_eisenkot/status/2116586741289148433) yesterday his message to Israelis. He started by announcing actions in the Knesset, which opens on Nov. 9, even before a new government is organized. Some of these actions involved coordination with the Arab parties. He stated:
“I intend to act to realize the clear parliamentary majority immediately, for the benefit of all Israeli citizens. To act to establish a state commission of inquiry, advance mandatory service for all, and take immediate action to expand and strengthen the scope of those serving in the IDF, with appropriate compensation and recognition for those who serve, repeal the constitutional coup laws, and more...”
He then announced his terms for any or all of the 19 Arab Knesset members to join his coalition: “Every Knesset member who is willing to sign on to these principles is a potential partner on the path to establishing a new and better government for Israel. The door of the government we will form will be open to every public representative who accepts these principles and is ready to rise to the occasion...”
His four principles to form a government “with as broad a national consensus as possible that will bring healing and fundamental change in the direction Israel is heading” were stated as: “1. Recognition of Israel as a Jewish, democratic, liberal, and egalitarian state. 2. Commitment to the values of the Declaration of Independence. 3. Mandatory service for all Israeli citizens—military, national, and civilian. 4. Recognition of Hamas as a terrorist organization and the obligation to destroy its military-political power in the Gaza Strip.”
The failure of October 7 and the ensuing security, internal, economic, and international reality demand bold decisions and as soon as possible. I will act in every way to bring about as broad a national consensus as possible so that we can begin the repair and rehabilitation.” He added a warning to Netanyahu: “Until the government is formed, I will back military moves only if there are direct and immediate threats against Israel that cannot wait until the government’s swearing-in.”
In yesterday’s announcement, Eisenkot seems to be listening more to Yair Golan, the most outspoken of Eisenkot’s bloc in favor of working with the Arab parties to depose Netanyahu. And the weekend was full of meetings between them and Yair Lapid over plans to work with the Arab parties on moving forward together on a legislative agenda. There are reports that Avigdor Lieberman, the weakest link in Eisenkot’s bloc, finally sat down to meet with Golan.
