Israel: Gadi Eisenkot at the center of tensions over a possible alliance with Arab parties

Right-wing activists gathered outside the home of Gadi Eisenkot, a former Israeli military chief and centrist opposition figure, on Sunday to protest a possible alliance with Arab Israeli parties. Those parties represent a minority that makes up about 20% of the population, and protesters said a coalition with them would threaten Israel’s Jewish character. Viktor Shriki said no government should be formed with Arab, Muslim and anti-Zionist society, while Shoshana Idasis objected to groups she associated with support for Hamas. Eisenkot, the main centrist rival to Benjamin Netanyahu, has left open the possibility of partnering with some Arab parties if they recognize Israel as a Jewish state.