Netanyahu Floats a Broad National Unity Government, Drawing Fire and Praise Across Israeli Politics

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said at a Saturday night press conference, held while answering questions on a range of issues, that he intends to form a “broad national government” after elections. The remark immediately triggered sharp reactions from across the political spectrum.

Former IDF chief and Yesh Atid leader Gadi Eisenkot rejected any prospect of sitting under Netanyahu and linked the statement to demands for a state commission of inquiry into the October 7 attacks. “Boycotts are a campaign from a previous life,” he wrote, adding that a prime minister who “led blindly to an historic low” and is “working day and night on division and incitement” is not fit to preach unity. He also said, “Whoever runs away from responsibility since October 7 will be replaced.”

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, a coalition partner, said the idea of a broad coalition was “very troubling.” He argued that past governments that brought in figures from the left, citing Tzipi Livni and Benny Gantz, weakened the ability to pursue a firm right-wing agenda. “The government Netanyahu has to form is only a full right-wing government,” Ben Gvir said.

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, a former opposition figure, welcomed Netanyahu’s message. “I congratulate Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on his announcement tonight of his intention to form a broad national government after the elections,” he said, calling it “the direction needed for the country.” Sa’ar added that after October 7 there is no room for boycott politics and that Israel will face years of struggle for its existence and future.

Democrats leader Yair Golan and Benny Gantz also attacked Netanyahu’s statement. Golan said those responsible for “the greatest disaster in Israel’s history” would not build unity, and urged the liberal and democratic bloc to state clearly that it will not sit in a Netanyahu government. Gantz said, “We do not believe you,” accusing Netanyahu of wanting another coalition with ultra-Orthodox and extremist parties, while saying his own camp will work to build a broad Zionist government after the next election.