Haim Ramon bursts the unity government idea: "It won't happen, it's illusions"

Former Justice Minister Haim Ramon said in an interview with Radio 103fm that a unity government will not be established, calling the idea "illusions," against the backdrop of the mandate given to Gadi Eisenkot by the president. According to him, Eisenkot can form a government "on paper" while Netanyahu is limited to 53 seats, and the only remaining option is a minority government of 48 seats with the support of the Arab parties.

Former Justice Minister Haim Ramon said in an interview with Radio 103fm with Ron Kofman and Aryeh Eldad that a unity government will not be established, calling the idea "illusions." The remarks were made against the backdrop of the mandate given to Gadi Eisenkot by the president to form the government. According to Ramon, Eisenkot proposed that anyone who accepts his four points could join a government under his leadership. Ramon claimed that Eisenkot can form a government "on paper," while Netanyahu "cannot under any circumstances" — and in his estimation, the maximum Netanyahu has is 53 seats. He further said that Netanyahu seeks to remain head of a transitional government as long as possible, and hopes for a war with Iran that depends on President Trump. Regarding the options facing Eisenkot, Ramon said that the negotiation track with the ultra-Orthodox, which he claims was suggested to him on the advice of Avigdor Lieberman, will take a long time and will require the 13 seats of Shas and United Torah Judaism, which even if they meet the conditions will not pass the High Court test. Ramon accused Lieberman of "playing into Netanyahu's hands" and allowing him to remain head of a transitional government for a long time. According to Ramon, the option of a minority government of 48 seats remains, where in the first vote the Arab parties will also vote in favor, and then negotiations with the ultra-Orthodox will begin. He emphasized the difference between a coalition and external support, and estimated that the Arab parties will not rush to cooperate with Netanyahu to topple such a government. In conclusion, he said, "We are not choosing the best now, we are choosing what is least bad," and warned that if Netanyahu remains head of the transitional government for a long time — he will also win the elections.