Opposition prepares surprise move on Abbas
Gadi Eisenkot's associates have begun discussing possible cooperation with the Ra'am party and Mansour Abbas after the government is formed. Two key circumstances have changed: the opposition may achieve a Zionist majority without Arab lawmakers, and the fear of partnering with Abbas has already been used by the right-wing camp. Eisenkot and his allies, including Elazar Stern, set three conditions for cooperation: recognition of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state, mandatory service for all, and acceptance of the values of the Declaration of Independence. Abbas has already recognized Israel as a Jewish state and spoken about equal service. Eisenkot has not yet made a final move but is cautiously testing the waters.
Gadi Eisenkot's associates have begun discussing possible cooperation with the Ra'am party and its leader Mansour Abbas after the government is formed. Previously, such a scenario was considered within Netanyahu's bloc as an argument against the change camp, but now it is being discussed in Eisenkot's inner circle. Two key circumstances have changed: the opposition may achieve a Zionist majority without Arab lawmakers, which is important for the government's legitimacy, and the fear of partnering with Abbas has already been used by the right-wing camp. Eisenkot and his allies, including Elazar Stern, set three conditions for cooperation: recognition of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state, mandatory military or civil service for all, and acceptance of the values of the Declaration of Independence. Abbas has already recognized Israel as a Jewish state and spoken about the need for equal service. Stern stated that he would not check whether someone was circumcised if they accept these conditions. He also reminded that Netanyahu sought cooperation with Abbas even when he did not accept these conditions, and that ultra-Orthodox lawmakers do not support all the values of the Declaration of Independence. Eisenkot, not Yair Golan, is leading the formation of the partnership, to present him as the leader. The change in the position of the 'Yashar!' party gives other change camp parties the opportunity to take a tougher stance. Eisenkot has not yet made a final move but is cautiously testing the political waters.