Israel First Party can unite Netanyahu, Eisenkot to govern together, Haskel tells 'Post'

MK Sharren Haskel says her new Israel First Party, with just six Knesset seats, could force Benjamin Netanyahu and Gadi Eisenkot into a broad Zionist coalition, excluding ultra-Orthodox and Arab parties. She ruled out Yair Golan, citing his past remarks, and criticized haredi draft evasion legislation.

MK Sharren Haskel, leader of the newly launched Israel First Party, told The Jerusalem Post that her party could reshape the next government after the October 27 elections. She aims to win six Knesset seats, enough to prevent Netanyahu from forming a coalition with ultra-Orthodox parties and Eisenkot from relying on Arab parties, forcing both into a broad Zionist government. Haskel ruled out Yair Golan's Democrats party, accusing him of lying about the IDF and damaging Israel's global reputation. She resigned from the government earlier this month after the Knesset passed legislation freezing arrests of haredi draft evaders, which she called corrupt amid the IDF's manpower crisis. Haskel described herself as hawkish on security and liberal on economics, advocating for less taxes and regulation. She positioned her party as a new home for right-wing voters feeling politically homeless.