Israel's President Pushes for Unity Government After Elections

President Isaac Herzog is reportedly working to establish a unity government in the aftermath of the upcoming 26th Knesset elections, according to sources from the Yisrael Beiteinu party who met with the president. These sources claim Herzog expressed a need for unity if no clear election outcome emerges, suggesting a coalition led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Likud on one side, and Yisrael Beiteinu Chairman Gadi Eisenkot on the other. However, the President's Residence has vehemently denied these reports, stating that Herzog has not discussed a unity government with any candidate or Knesset member and is not currently considering any specific government composition. They emphasized that such matters will be addressed during consultations after the election results are received.

Earlier, President Herzog addressed the possibility of further elections if no decisive result is achieved on October 27th, stating in an interview, "I am doing everything so that Israel will have a stable government. But I will say more than that, I will really, really do everything I can so that there will not be repeat elections." He stressed the nation's significant challenges and the need to avoid repeated electoral cycles.

Within the "change bloc" of opposition parties, there is concern that Herzog might leverage his authority to mandate cooperation. Yair Golan, Chairman of the Democrats, criticized the idea, stating, "It's time for you to stop trying to keep Netanyahu united. There will be no unity government with Netanyahu, and anyone who even thinks about it is stabbing the Israeli public in the back." Yair Lapid, Chairman of Yesh Atid, also issued a strong statement, expressing hope that Herzog would not push for a "fake unity government" where Netanyahu might deceive partners again, and vowed that his bloc would not cooperate with such a plan.

Despite these objections, reports suggest Herzog has raised the possibility of a unity government with Knesset members he has met. He reportedly intends to pressure members of Eisenkot's party, the largest in the change bloc, to support such a move if no clear mandate emerges. The change bloc has consistently stated they will not join a government involving Netanyahu, especially after the October 7th events, preferring repeat elections over a unity government with him. However, they fear Herzog's insistence on "doing everything" could pressure them.

Gadi Eisenkot has previously indicated a preference for a minority government over repeat elections. He also stated that if faced with a choice between allowing Netanyahu to serve as interim prime minister or forming a government with a "Zionist majority," he would choose the latter. Eisenkot also plans to seek control of the Knesset and decision-making centers immediately after the elections, a move that Speaker of the Knesset Amir Ohana acknowledged would be legitimate if 61 votes supported his replacement.