Netanyahu allies push unity government with Eisenkot, including possible rotation as prime minister

Figures close to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are promoting a plan to bring opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot into a national unity government as Israel’s post-election coalition deadlock continues.

According to The Jerusalem Post, Netanyahu’s associates began briefing reporters on the possibility shortly after the election, despite Netanyahu publicly calling for a national right-wing government and Eisenkot repeatedly pledging not to serve under him.

One version of the proposal would have Netanyahu remain prime minister for roughly two years before handing the office to Eisenkot under a rotation agreement.

Another version would keep Netanyahu as prime minister and instead offer Eisenkot a senior cabinet position.

The proposed coalition would initially exclude the ultra-Orthodox parties while including Netanyahu, Eisenkot and right-wing leaders Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich.

Under that framework, the government would first pass legislation on ultra-Orthodox military conscription without the Haredi parties inside the coalition. They could potentially join later after the issue was resolved.

Netanyahu’s allies believe such an arrangement could give Eisenkot a major political achievement on conscription and make a unity deal more attractive.

Eisenkot, however, has given no indication that he is prepared to discuss the proposal, and figures in his political bloc have strongly rejected the idea of joining a Netanyahu-led government.

Both camps are still waiting for the final election results before deciding their next moves.