Israeli media reported on Monday that former Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett held a political meeting with opposition figure Gadi Eisenkot to discuss potential alliances aimed at bringing down the government of Benjamin Netanyahu.
According to reports, the meeting focused on possible cooperation within what was described as a “Reform and Hope Camp” ahead of potential early elections and efforts to dissolve the Knesset.
A statement from Bennett’s office said the discussions addressed strategic steps needed for the opposition to win power and form a government based on what was referred to as a “service alliance”, a reference to support for mandatory military service, including for ultra-Orthodox communities.
The meeting was reportedly Bennett’s first since announcing the establishment of the “Together” party in cooperation with opposition leader Yair Lapid.
Meanwhile, Eisenkot reiterated his opposition to exemptions for Haredi Jews from military service, warning that disagreements over conscription could trigger another election campaign.
His comments came after criticism from Avigdor Lieberman, head of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, over Eisenkot’s refusal to rule out cooperation with ultra-Orthodox parties in a future coalition.
Israeli opinion polls cited in the reports suggested that a joint electoral list combining Bennett’s and Eisenkot’s political forces could potentially secure 38 seats, positioning the alliance as a leading challenger to Netanyahu’s coalition.
