Eisenkot targets repeal of 4 laws as UTJ signals split from Netanyahu

Gadi Eisenkot stated on Tuesday that his coalition intends to immediately repeal four specific statutes passed by the outgoing government. The Yashar party leader made the announcement after concluding talks with partners Naftali Bennett, Avigdor Liberman, and Yair Golan. Eisenkot characterized the session as good and important, noting that the group is prepared to coordinate its next steps in the Knesset.

The legislative targets include measures that give the justice minister control over internal police investigations. The bloc also plans to reverse changes that expanded political influence over judicial appointments. Additional laws slated for repeal restrict the attorney general’s authority and increase government control over media regulation. Eisenkot described these reversals as a necessary step to protect democratic norms and prevent a fresh election.

Eisenkot argued that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is now a transitional figure with support from only 46 lawmakers. This count suggests that United Torah Judaism may no longer be firmly aligned with the Prime Minister. UTJ, which holds seven seats, was part of the previous cabinet until last year. The party has voiced frustration over the coalition's inability to advance legislation regarding military service exemptions for Haredi men.

Securing UTJ's cooperation could face internal resistance within Eisenkot's alliance. Several members of the bloc campaigned on universal conscription and generally oppose partnering with Haredi parties. An alternative path to a parliamentary majority involves the two Arab parties, which together won 19 seats. Among Eisenkot's current partners, only Golan's Democrats have not publicly opposed working with those parties.

Channel 12 reported that the bloc views the repeal of these four laws as a simpler starting point than drafting a new constitutional agenda. Eisenkot warned that the coming days would involve misleading press briefings from opponents. He and his partners pledged to remain committed to their legislative roadmap despite the noise.

Netanyahu has not identified a clear path to forming his own government following the recent election. His strategy appears focused on blocking the opposition from assembling a majority, which could trigger another vote. His team has cited allegations of foreign election interference to challenge the results. The Central Election Committee stated that the alleged interference is not widespread and will not change the final outcome.