The more I think about it, the more it seems that the best move for Eisenkot politically is to join a unity government under Netanyahu.
If Eisenkot establishes a government that is dependent on Raam and the anti-Zionist Joint List, or if he forces another election, his political career will be over in a year or so.
Even if he manages to become PM for a year, Netanyahu will just wait for such a coalition to fall apart, and will work to make that happen as quickly as possible. A coalition that depends on Raam, JL, Liberman and Bennet will not last long and will not get much done. Once it falls, the Left will move on to the next “savior”, as it always does. Netanyahu can wait a year.
But if Eisenkot agrees to serve as Defense Minister under Netanyahu, he can condition joining the government on an ultra-Orthodox draft law with teeth, and some sort of official Commission of Inquiry (I actually think Netanyahu will agree if the appointment procedure is seen as unbiased). As Defense Minister, Eisenkot will likely have the opportunity to lead a campaign against Iran that will hopefully change the Middle East.
Then, in 2-3 years, Eisenkot can campaign for PM with a draft law, commission of inquiry , and Iran under his belt. At that point, Netanyahu may choose to retire (once Trump leaves office), leaving Eisenkot facing a less formidable Likud opponent.
Not sure if a unity government is in Netanyahu’s political interest, but it seems more and more like it is in Eisenkot’s interest.
Oct 28, 2026 · 9:25 PM UTC
Have you ever heard of a guy called Benny Gantz? He did this thing exactly, twice, and both times he was stabbed in the back by Netanyahu, cheated, humiliated, and robbed of every promise Netanyahu gave him. Eisenkot doesn't want to be Gantz 2.0...
Also, Netanyahu is refusing to part ways with the ultra-Orthodox, he said so himself on election night.
1. I deeply respect @gantzbe. It is a shame he is not in the Knesset.
2. The Left will need to decide- is the only goal removing Netanyahu, even if only for a short time, and at the cost of a boomerang effect?
Or does the Left actually want to advance constructive policies such as a universal service requirement and the cutting off of benefits to those who don’t serve (I am in favor). That definitely won’t happen in a coalition with Raam/Joint List. It might work as a precondition for a unity government.
The last sentence is the kicker. The more clear that it’s in one side’s interest but unclear if it’s in the other’s dictates how hard a bargain Bibi will drive. He has the better BATNA.
I’m guessing that such a negotiation may get started but my bet is still on it failing. Bibi will take his chances on new elections because he senses that the opposition doesn’t want it.
Such a government would be a boon for Likud, and doesn’t make sense for the Zionist majority (48 MKs on the liberal Zionist side vs 40 MKs on the draft-dodging apologist Zionist side).
For the Zionist majority, those who employed Qatari agents, attempted an evisceration of the system of government, led Israel to October 7, exploited the hostages for political gain, and relied on a coalition without a Zionist majority - only a tie (the full-blown “We’d Rather Die Than Serve” government had 46 Zionist seats, exactly the same as their opposition), have proven they will stop at nothing to preserve power, money, and status.
If they wanted to partner they could have at any point. That time is over.
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The obvious course of action for Eisenkot:
Form a narrow government. Pass a law limiting prime ministers to a maximum of eight years in office, effective from the next election (not a law targeting any particular individual, just common sense that happens to be especially beneficial in the current circumstances).
Pass legislation abolishing the separate private education systems (the Arab parties will accept this since their kids study in the national system anyway), and pass a law allowing the Knesset to establish a state commission of inquiry into October 7, and then establish it.
Once all of this is accomplished, which can be done in the first few weeks, keep governing for as long as possible. If governing with a minority government becomes impossible, call new elections from a stronger position.
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There *are* obvious drawbacks. Some thing can't happen under such a minority government. For example:
1. Designating Qatar as an enemy state. Desirable, but it won't happen with Ra'am. And the draft-dodgers' bloc would never support it, because Qatar is effectively their partner.
2. A military conscription law. Same story. Ra'am won't be likely go along with it, because of the implications for Arab Israelis.
3. A law barring an indicted politician from serving as prime minister. This is
unnecessary and a foolish to begin with.
Lieberman and Tommy Lapid's historical opposition to such legislation was the correct approach.
Otherwise, any prime minister could be brought down through fabricated criminal charges.
4. Another high-intensity war against Hamas. Unnecessary anyway without an overarching strategy, something no political faction currently has.
Even a full-blown “right-wing” coalition didn't manage to drive a positive outcome in Gaza and refused to take direct responsibility for the population.
