Netanyahu Renews Unity Government Call as Eisenkot Dismisses 'Tricks'

Israel's caretaker prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, on Saturday repeated his call for a national unity government with his political rival, former army chief Gadi Eisenkot. Eisenkot, who was tasked on Sunday with forming Israel's next government after the election, rejected the proposal as a ruse. Coalition talks are under way, and their outcome will determine who governs the country next.

In a video statement, Netanyahu said a meeting with Eisenkot on Thursday had only strengthened his conviction that a unity government is essential for national security. He said such a cabinet could "eliminate the Iranian threat once and for all", and would include parties that recognise Israel as a state for the Jewish people. He claimed Iran would not hesitate to use nuclear weapons against Israel. He also warned against Eisenkot's plan for a minority government and urged a meeting without preconditions.

Eisenkot's response

Minutes later, Eisenkot replied that Netanyahu "knows he lost the election". He said negotiations were already under way and that such tricks "don't work" on him.

The minority-government arithmetic

Eisenkot's proposed "national emergency government" would rely on the 48 lawmakers in his bloc voting in favour, against 46 Netanyahu backers. The remaining 26 members of the 120-seat Knesset, from Arab and ultra-Orthodox parties, could abstain, allowing approval without an absolute majority.

Eisenkot has 28 days to form a government, with a possible 14-day extension. Talks are expected to be difficult, as Netanyahu has campaigned against Arab-Israeli parties, which won a record number of seats. His proposed unity government would include Jewish parties from the centre to the right, excluding Arab parties.

Eisenkot has said he could work with members of Likud and with outgoing Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich's Religious Zionism, provided their commitment is sincere. A unity government with Netanyahu himself appears unlikely. Eisenkot also demands a "break with the extremists", notably supporters of far-right minister Itamar Ben Gvir.

Another dispute concerns Tuesday's vote for Knesset speaker. The post is held by Netanyahu ally Amir Ohana, while the opposition has put forward former army officer Matan Kahana.