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Originally published at Tsionizm.
The Trump administration is reportedly working to form the broadest possible Israeli unity government, to enable Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to remain at the helm of the country for up to two years before stepping down from politics, Israel Hayom reported on Thursday. The plan is part of an overall goal to put an end to the wars on Israel’s fronts, and to reach peace agreements, with Saudi Arabia at the top of the list.
The American administration and international figures, mainly from the region, are promoting a broad government that would be able to take far-reaching diplomatic decisions as part of a regional settlement, Israel Hayom reported. A senior American official said the message has reached senior political figures in Israel, both directly and through diplomatic channels. The Prime Minister’s Office and the White House are in close contact. The US Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, met with senior figures from the parties in September, including Gadi Eisenkot.
While the officials involved are making great efforts to avoid interfering with the elections scheduled for October 27, Washington and the international community as a whole would welcome a broad and stable government, which does not include any extremist elements, Israel Hayom reports.
One framework that diplomatic officials say is under discussion for forming a new government is a broad coalition led by Likud, together with newly formed Knesset slate Yashar led by former IDF chief of staff Eisenkot. Under such a deal Netanyahu would remain at the helm of the new government for a limited period of up to two years, during which time the government would work to bring an end to the wars on all fronts, as well as advance agreements with key regional states including Saudi Arabia, after which he would retire from politics.
The Saudi piece is central. According to the report, the Trump Administration is pressuring the Saudis to join the Abraham Accords, including possible security cooperation such as sales of F-35s and a civilian nuclear facility. The Saudis, however, are reportedly insisting, according to earlier Israel Hayom reporting, that a change in the Israeli government be part of the deal. A foreign diplomatic official warned that the chance for a broad government could slip away, saying a narrow government “will not be able to bring about changes and major diplomatic decisions.”
The conditions that Eisenkot’s bloc is expected to demand from any coalition it joins include a strict commitment that Netanyahu will retire on schedule, the repeal of laws that were passed as part of the judicial overhaul, and a reform of the system of checks and balances. In addition, it is expected to demand a state commission of inquiry into the events of October 7. According to officials, in the bloc’s view, significant constitutional and diplomatic changes require a broad Zionist majority in the government.
There are reasons for caution. The report cited unnamed American and diplomatic sources, and presents a framework that is still only proposed. According to a Times of Israel liveblog headline, Eisenkot, a former IDF chief of staff, ruled out a power-sharing government with Prime Minister Netanyahu. Israel Hayom noted that the President’s Residence has denied reports that Israeli President Isaac Herzog is promoting a unity government. In interviews, Herzog said he would do everything in his power to prevent another round of elections.
Recent polls of Israeli elections have shown that the race is very close between Likud and Yashar led by Gadi Eisenkot. Most of the polls have neither Netanyahu’s bloc nor the opposition parties getting the 61 seats needed to form a majority in the Knesset. A deadlock could push the parties toward a unity government or back to elections.
The proposal seems to be a trial balloon with American fingerprints on it. It is not clear whether Netanyahu would agree to a fixed date for his exit from office and whether Eisenkot would go back on his word not to serve together with him. That will not be answered before the votes are counted.
