Jerusalem, 3 November, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Gadi Eisenkot’s associates are exploring whether a 61-seat majority can be assembled by combining left-wing parties with the Haredi factions Shas and United Torah Judaism, without relying on Arab parties, Israeli media reported late Tuesday morning.
The initiative would require Avigdor Liberman to agree to sit in a government with the Haredim, despite his campaign vows to the contrary. Eisenkot’s camp is examining what concessions Liberman might demand in return.
Meanwhile, talks are underway with Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid, both of whom pledged to pass universal military conscription legislation. Including Haredi parties in government would make fulfilling those vows impossible, forcing negotiations for a much softer Haredi draft legislation.
Further discussions are taking place with the Democrats, who are committed to cooperation with the Arab parties. They too would have to reverse their vows.
United Torah Judaism reportedly appears open to exploring the arrangement, while Shas has yet to decide.
