United Torah Judaism declines to recommend a candidate
Goldknopf arrived at the President’s Residence, while Porush decided not to attend. United Torah Judaism representatives said they would not recommend any candidate to form the government.
Goldknopf said: “We are not committed to any political bloc.”
Amit Segal noted the irony of Porush declining to attend a meeting at which his party would abstain from recommending a candidate. Segal also highlighted the central demand: a conscription law without targets or quotas.
Otzma Yehudit endorsed Netanyahu. Representatives of Israel’s Democrats party endorsed Gadi Eisenkot, followed by Mansour Abbas and Ra’am. At that stage of the consultations, the recommendation tally stood at 23–19 in Eisenkot’s favor.
Abbas said: “We believe it is possible to form a new government that will be better than the government of failures.”
During Ra’am’s recommendation, Abbas corrected himself: “We recommended Benny Gantz, sorry, Gadi Eisenkot.”
Abbas argued that Eisenkot should form a government immediately, even a temporary one, and then expand it from the Prime Minister’s Office.
The Shas faction convened for the first time since the elections.
Herzog challenges election allegations and coalition positions
During consultations with Otzma Yehudit, President Isaac Herzog addressed allegations concerning the elections. The investigation concerns suspected election interference, including alleged foreign involvement.
After speaking with Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) chief David Zini and Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, Herzog said:
“At the moment, everything is still speculation. We need to be cautious. Sometimes, sweeping claims are made that ultimately amount to very little.
A special investigative team has been established, and they are pursuing the investigation with full force.”
Herzog also challenged Otzma Yehudit representatives: “Could it be that you’re trying to divert attention from the fact that masses of Israeli Arabs turned out to vote in response to your behavior?”
Addressing Naama Lazimi, Herzog said: “I paid a heavy price for wanting unity, and you protested against me.”
He questioned how a minority government could be formed, noting that under the government of change it had not even been possible to plant trees in the Negev.
Following a tweet, the director general of the President’s Office told representatives of the Democrats: “This isn’t the first time that members of your party have shown disrespect toward the president.”
Herzog added: “That’s true.”
Arab-party support and ultra-Orthodox negotiations
According to Amit Segal, Arab-party support and ultra-Orthodox negotiations remain central obstacles.
The chairman of the Joint List said Yair Golan spoke with him after the meeting of the “Change Bloc” leaders and made it “very clear” that their stance toward the Arab parties had not changed.
Jabareen said: “From now on, any political coalition formed in the Knesset will need us.”
Eisenkot has made clear that he wants to present a government as soon as possible. According to Amit Segal, the main obstacle remains Lieberman’s refusal, shared by other members of Yashar and Beyachad, to swear in a government with the votes of the Arab parties.
Negotiations with the ultra-Orthodox parties are still at a very early stage.
Netanyahu said:
“A government that depends on parties that support terrorism will not be able to confront the challenge of radical Islam, which threatens us from within and from outside.
Only a broad national government led by the Likud party under my leadership, which includes all members of the national bloc and all Zionist parties that wish to join, will be able to confront this challenge.”
