Herzog Opposes Forming an Interim Government to Oust Netanyahu... Before Heading to New Elections

The Israeli Broadcasting Authority reported that Israeli President Isaac Herzog opposes forming a government for only a short period, one of the options being considered by Yesh Atid party leader Gadi Eisenkot, with the aim of replacing outgoing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu before heading to new elections.

Herzog’s stance could influence his decision during the phase in which he considers whether to extend the deadline granted to Eisenkot.

Estimates from those close to Eisenkot suggest that Israel Beiteinu party leader Avigdor Lieberman seeks to exploit negotiations with religious parties to reach the premiership. Meanwhile, Lieberman reportedly wants to take revenge on Eisenkot for his “Larger Party” election campaign, which caused the Change camp to lose seats, according to the Maariv newspaper.

Within religious parties, it is said that all options remain open. In Lieberman’s circle, they believe a government with religious parties is feasible, and that the Shas movement will also join. According to his associates, Lieberman would not have gone that far if it were not possible.

Maariv notes there are differing views between Eisenkot and Lieberman. The former wants a quick government based on external support from Arab parties, followed by negotiations with other parties. Lieberman, on the other hand, wants to reach an agreement with religious parties in advance.

For his part, the Hebrew-language Walla! News website reported that leaders of opposition parties continue communications to form a government. One scenario under discussion is forming a reduced cabinet in the first phase, followed by inviting parties from the right camp to join a unity government from a position of strength.

Inside the Change camp’s negotiations, it is said that the current situation is an opportunity that must not be missed; if a government is not formed now, the system will be pushed toward new elections, and the Change camp will lose its chance to change power.

- Women and men: 33 women versus 87 men, meaning women constitute only 27 percent of Knesset members.

- New members: 59 out of 120 members were not part of the outgoing Knesset.

- Geographic distribution: 49 MKs from Tel Aviv and the central region, accounting for 41 percent of Knesset members.

Meanwhile, extreme right-wing organizations called for protests on Tuesday outside the Knesset, objecting to the replacement of current Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, claiming it is being done “with support from terrorism backers,” referring to Arab parties.