Amid Shin Bet investigation into suspected election bribery: Likud prepares to increase pressure for unity
Amid a Shin Bet investigation into suspected election bribery, Likud is preparing to increase pressure for the formation of a unity government. The assessment is that they will ramp up calls for unity ahead of consultations at the President's Residence. Likud claims that Gadi Eisenkot has no better alternative and will agree to join the government. The plan includes a rotation or a senior portfolio for Eisenkot.
Amid a Shin Bet investigation into suspected election bribery, Likud is preparing to increase pressure for the formation of a unity government. The political assessment is that Likud will step up calls for unity ahead of the start of consultations at the President's Residence next week. Likud officials explain that the Change Bloc has no better alternative, and they assess that Gadi Eisenkot will ultimately agree to join a government led by Benjamin Netanyahu. The plan includes a political enticement: forming a government in the first stage with Eisenkot, Ben Gvir, and Smotrich, without the Haredi parties, which would first pass the conscription law. According to one version, Netanyahu will offer Eisenkot a rotation after about two years; according to another version, a senior portfolio. The Change Bloc rejects the possibility that Eisenkot will join a government led by Netanyahu. The President's Residence is awaiting the submission of official results next Wednesday.