Eisenkot Defends Mandatory Service as Liberman Signals Shift on Ultra-Orthodox Coalition
Gadi Eisenkot insists on mandatory national service after Avigdor Liberman shows flexibility on Haredi draft to form government without Netanyahu.
POLICY WIRE — Jerusalem, Israel — Gadi Eisenkot, the leader of the Yashar party, reaffirmed his firm requirement for all Israelis to undergo mandatory military or civilian service on Friday. This staunch stance comes shortly after a significant pivot by Avigdor Liberman regarding the conscription of the ultra-Orthodox population.
Liberman has since indicated a potential departure from his previous refusal to participate in a government with ultra-Orthodox factions. This shift could clear a path for Eisenkot to assemble a 61-seat coalition that excludes both Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Arab parties.
The development offers a new strategic opportunity for the Israeli opposition to remove the current Prime Minister. By backtracking on strict demands that Haredi Jews must serve in the military, Liberman has altered the political landscape before the new Knesset is scheduled to be sworn on November 10.
Eisenkot maintained that coalition negotiations have reached significant milestones. He expressed a willingness to invite any faction that is prepared to join the effort, provided they meet his criteria for governance.
Despite the flexibility shown by Liberman, Eisenkot remains committed to his vision of universal national service as a core pillar of the proposed government structure.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)