"The pressure will shift to Eisenkot": The battle already beginning for the day after Netanyahu

The article examines the anticipated battle within the anti-Netanyahu bloc for the premiership, should the bloc win a majority. Gadi Eisenkot, leading in polls with 24 seats, is trying to establish a rule that the head of the largest party will form the government. Naftali Bennett and Avigdor Lieberman refuse to commit, citing Eisenkot's political inexperience and concerns over compromises with the ultra-Orthodox as reasons. The article reviews the Bennett precedent from 2021, rotation scenarios, and the bargaining power of smaller parties.

The article examines the anticipated battle within the anti-Netanyahu bloc for the premiership, should the bloc achieve a majority of 61 seats in the elections. Gadi Eisenkot, leading in polls with 24 seats for the Yashar party, is trying to establish a rule that the head of the largest party in the bloc will form the government. He proposed this framework to party leaders about three months ago, warning that a prime minister with six or ten seats endangers the government replacement. Naftali Bennett (Together, 15 seats) and Avigdor Lieberman (Yisrael Beiteinu, 10 seats) refuse to commit to supporting Eisenkot. Bennett emphasizes his experience as a former prime minister, defense, education, and economy minister, and seeks to return the discussion to the question of competence. Lieberman has set becoming prime minister as his goal, and his people highlight his extensive experience and his "iron backbone." Strategic consultant Moshe Klughaft explains that the bargaining power of smaller parties increases in a narrow government, pointing to the Bennett precedent from 2021 as proof. A possible scenario is a Bennett-Lieberman rotation government, if they together hold over 20 seats. Yisrael Beiteinu sets rigid principles on ultra-Orthodox conscription and core curriculum studies, which could become focal points of conflict.