Netanyahu Unity Government Call Rejected by Eisenkot
Israel’s caretaker prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeated his call for a national unity government with his opponent Gadi Eisenkot, who dismissed the appeal as a trick. The exchange comes as Eisenkot works to form a new government after being tapped for the post of premier last Sunday.
In a video statement on Saturday, Netanyahu said a meeting with Eisenkot on Thursday had “only strengthened the conviction that it is essential to form a national unity government” to guarantee Israel’s security. He said such a government could “eliminate the Iranian threat once and for all”.
He said the government would be made up of parties that recognise Israel “as a state for the Jewish people”. It would address security challenges, most notably Iran, which he claimed would “not hesitate to use nuclear weapons against us”.
The minority government plan
Netanyahu warned against Eisenkot’s plan to form a minority government, presented as a “national emergency government”. Under the plan, the 48 lawmakers in Eisenkot’s bloc would vote for his government against the 46 Netanyahu backers, while the 26 other members, from Arab and ultra-Orthodox parties, could abstain, allowing approval without an absolute majority in the 120-seat Knesset.
“Instead of trying to form a weak and dangerous government … let’s meet in one room, without preconditions, put aside all our disagreements and all the boycotts, and reach agreements for the security and the future of the state,” Netanyahu urged.
Minutes later, Eisenkot responded. He said Netanyahu “knows he lost the election”, and accused him of playing “tricks” by appealing for a unity government.
“Netanyahu is calling for negotiations while they are already under way; he claims to want unity but … sows division and stokes tensions as if there were no tomorrow,” the former army chief said, adding that “these tricks don’t work on me”.
Why a Netanyahu unity government looks unlikely
Eisenkot was tapped to form a government within 28 days, with a possible 14-day extension. Talks will be difficult: Netanyahu has campaigned to discredit Arab-Israeli parties, which won a record number of seats.
Netanyahu’s proposed unity government would be made up of key Jewish parties ranging from the centre to the right, while leaving out the Arab parties. Eisenkot has said he would be open to a government with members of Netanyahu’s Likud party and with Religious Zionism, provided their commitment to unity is “sincere”.
But a unity government with Netanyahu himself remains unlikely, particularly after Eisenkot denounced his “racist” campaign against Arab parties on Friday. On Saturday, Eisenkot repeated his calls for a “break with the extremists”, notably supporters of far-right minister Itamar Ben Gvir, as a condition for any participation in a government under his leadership.
The contest has already spilled into the Knesset itself. The speaker’s election takes place on Tuesday. The post is held by Amir Ohana, a close Netanyahu ally, while the opposition has put forward Matan Kahana, a former army officer who was fifth on Eisenkot’s list.
“If they (Likud and its allies) are truly seeking a sincere political partnership, as they claim, they must allow the democratic process to unfold normally … and instruct their members of parliament to support the appointment of Matan Kahana,” Eisenkot said.
What happens next
Eisenkot’s path runs through the same numbers: his bloc holds 48 seats, Netanyahu’s backers 46, and 26 members from Arab and ultra-Orthodox parties hold the balance. Whether they abstain will decide if his minority government can take office.
The row also matters beyond Israel’s borders. Pakistan and 16 other countries have condemned an Israeli strike on a Gaza hospital, seven people were killed in Gaza in recent Israeli fire, a Hamas commander was killed in a Gaza air strike, and Israel has been told to act on floods in Gaza under the Board of Peace plan.
The speaker vote on Tuesday will be the first test of whether Eisenkot can build a coalition.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Gadi Eisenkot?
He is a former Israeli army chief tapped last Sunday to form a government. He leads a bloc of 48 lawmakers.
What is Netanyahu proposing?
A national unity government of key Jewish parties from the centre to the right, which he says would guarantee Israel’s security and eliminate the Iranian threat.
Why did Eisenkot reject the offer?
He said Netanyahu knows he lost the election and accused him of playing tricks.
What is the Knesset speaker dispute?
The speaker’s post is held by Amir Ohana, a Netanyahu ally. The opposition has put forward Matan Kahana to replace him, and the election takes place on Tuesday.
When must Eisenkot form a government?
He has 28 days from being tapped, with a possible 14-day extension.
