Israeli caretaker Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has renewed his call for a national unity government with his rival Gadi Eisenkot, arguing that it is the only way to guarantee Israel’s security. Eisenkot, who has been tasked with forming the next administration, rejected the proposal as a political manoeuvre.
In a video statement, Mr Netanyahu said a meeting with Mr Eisenkot on Thursday had reinforced his belief that a unity government was essential.
He said such an administration could “eliminate the Iranian threat once and for all”, while claiming that Tehran “would not hesitate to use nuclear weapons against us”.
“Let’s meet in one room, without preconditions,” Mr Netanyahu said.
Mr Eisenkot dismissed the appeal within minutes, saying Mr Netanyahu knew he had lost the election.
“Netanyahu is calling for negotiations while they are already underway,” he said. “These tricks don’t work on me.”
Deadlock over government formation
Neither side secured a majority in the 120-seat Knesset in the October 27 election. Mr Netanyahu’s right-wing and religious bloc won 53 seats, while Mr Eisenkot’s four-party bloc took 48 and Arab-led parties secured 19, their highest total.
President Isaac Herzog last week asked Mr Eisenkot to form a government after 67 lawmakers, including representatives of Arab-led parties, endorsed him. A total of 46 backed Mr Netanyahu.
Mr Eisenkot has 28 days to complete the task, with the possibility of a further 14-day extension. He has ruled out bringing Arab-led parties into his government.
His proposed minority “national emergency government” would rely on the 48 members of his bloc voting in favour, against 46 supporters of Mr Netanyahu. The 26 lawmakers from Arab and ultra-Orthodox parties could abstain, allowing the administration to be approved without an absolute majority.
Mr Netanyahu has warned that the arrangement would lead to Israel’s “collapse”. His own proposal would bring together Jewish parties from the centre and right while excluding Arab parties.
Mr Netanyahu and his allies have made unsubstantiated claims that Arab-led parties “stole” the election. Mr Eisenkot described the campaign against them as “racist” on Friday.
Mr Eisenkot has said he could work with members of Mr Netanyahu’s Likud party and Bezalel Smotrich’s Religious Zionism, provided their commitment to unity was “sincere”. He has also demanded a “break with the extremists”, including supporters of far-right minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.
The Knesset is due to elect its speaker on Tuesday. The current holder, Mr Netanyahu ally Amir Ohana, is being challenged by Matan Kahana, a former military officer put forward by the opposition.
