Jerusalem:Natan Eshel, a close associate of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has reportedly been in communication with Mansour Abbas, leader of the United Arab List, in an effort to prevent support for a government led by Gadi Eisenkot of the "Yeshar" party.
According to Maan News Agency, Eshel engaged in multiple discussions with Abbas before, during, and after the Israeli election results were announced. These conversations aimed to dissuade the United Arab List from backing Eisenkot in the Knesset. Eshel's inquiries included whether Abbas would permit the conscription law to pass under Eisenkot's leadership, to which Abbas responded that a decision would be made after the election results were known.
The report highlights a contradiction between Netanyahu's public campaign against forming a government reliant on Arab parties and Eshel's private engagements with Abbas. Despite Netanyahu's attacks on the potential alliance, Eshel continued to seek clarity on Abbas's stance regarding support for Eisenkot, even after election results were revealed.
Furthermore, the communications between Eshel and Abbas do not appear to be isolated incidents. Political contacts between Netanyahu and Abbas date back to 2019, evolving into a significant political channel reaching the Prime Minister's residence in Jerusalem. Eshel initiated this line of communication, although the United Arab List has yet to fully close the door on these interactions.
In response to inquiries about these contacts, Eshel initially denied any engagement with Abbas, later acknowledging the interactions when presented with evidence. The Likud party stated that Prime Minister Netanyahu was unaware of these discussions, and they did not occur with his authorization.