Israeli President Denies Pushing for Unity Government with Netanyahu

Discussions are underway in Israeli political circles regarding the possibility of forming a unity government after the upcoming 26th Knesset elections, should they result in no clear majority. Such a government would reportedly involve Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party and Gadi Eisenkot's Yachad party. However, the office of Israeli President Isaac Herzog has vehemently denied that he has discussed forming such a government with any candidate, stating that the President has not engaged in discussions about any specific government composition at this stage.

According to a report by the "Walla!" news site, President Herzog allegedly suggested to candidates from Eisenkot's list, whom he met on various occasions, the need to reach a unity formula after the elections if a government cannot be formed, rather than heading to new elections. The report suggested this would practically mean pushing for a government including Netanyahu and Eisenkot.

Herzog's office clarified that the President spoke generally about the need for a "stable government" without specifying its composition. They reiterated that the issue of a unity government "was not raised at all, neither in these meetings nor in conversations with Knesset members." In a separate interview, Herzog stated his commitment to doing "everything to ensure Israel has a stable government" and to prevent new elections due to the "enormous national challenges."

Former Prime Minister Netanyahu had previously raised the idea of a unity government led by him during his early campaign, but later shifted focus to strengthening parties within his bloc. The reports of Herzog's alleged discussions have raised concerns among anti-Netanyahu parties, fearing he might use his mandate to pressure for a partnership between major blocs if no coalition can be formed.

Leaders from opposition parties have voiced strong opposition. Yair Golan, leader of the Democrats, stated on X that it's time for Herzog to stop trying to keep Netanyahu in power, asserting there will be no unity government with him. Yair Lapid, leader of Yesh Atid, expressed hope that Herzog would not push for a "false unity government" and vowed that his party would not cooperate with such a move.

Despite the denials, "Walla!" reported that Herzog also raised the possibility of a unity government with Knesset members and might pressure Eisenkot's party members to join. Meanwhile, parties in Eisenkot's camp have repeatedly rejected joining a government with Netanyahu, preferring new elections. Eisenkot's camp is also preparing for the possibility of forming a minority government if no clear majority emerges, and Eisenkot has previously stated he would prefer a "Zionist majority" government over a transitional one led by Netanyahu. Eisenkot and his allies also reportedly plan to push for replacing Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana immediately after the elections if they can secure 61 votes.