Likud Minister and coalition member Yisrael Kisch suggested Monday that the party might support former IDF chief Gadi Eisenkot as prime minister in a potential unity arrangement, telling a journalist that 'there is legitimacy for such a move.' His remarks mark the first time a sitting Likud minister has publicly opened the door to Eisenkot at the top of a coalition, amid ongoing talks about the future of the anti-Netanyahu bloc.
Minister Yisrael Kisch (Likud) on Monday signaled that his party could be open to serving under former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot, telling a journalist that there is 'legitimacy' for such a move. The remark, reported by Israeli media, is the first time a sitting Likud minister has publicly countenanced Eisenkot as prime minister rather than the other way around.
As The Zioneer has reported, Eisenkot has recently hinted he could partner with Netanyahu (June 11 calling 'life is complicated'), and Yesh Atid lawmakers urged unity under Eisenkot (June 16 warning the bloc might fail without it). The suggestion from a Likud insider represents a significant shift in the political landscape, opening the possibility of a broad unity government that bypasses the longstanding Netanyahu-anti-Netanyahu divide. No formal talks or vote have been scheduled, and the party's official line remains that Netanyahu is the candidate.
3 developments
- DevelopingEisenkot says again he will form a government with Arab support
- DevelopingLikud tells ministers: We will not sit under center-left figures like Eisenkot
- StrongBennett signals readiness to serve under Eisenkot in a replacement government
- StrongYesh Atid MKs urge unity under Eisenkot, warn bloc at risk; Bennett does not rule out joining
Source and signal
- Open-source intake