Netanyahu Calls for Broad Unity Government, Accuses Rivals of Sabotage

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday called for the formation of a broad national government led by him, while simultaneously launching a sharp attack on the leaders of the "change bloc," accusing them of attempting to preemptively thwart such a government. These remarks came amid the ongoing process of recommendations at the President's Residence and coalition-building efforts.

Netanyahu identified radical Islam as a primary threat to Israel, emanating from Iran, its proxy terror groups, and internal elements. He argued that a government reliant on Arab parties would be incapable of confronting this threat, stating, "A government that cannot certainly confront the threats of radical Islam is a government dependent on radical Islam, on these Islamist parties that deny the very existence of a Jewish state." He proposed an alternative: "There is a government that can confront this challenge, a broad national government led by the Likud under my leadership, which will include all components of the national bloc and all Zionist parties that wish to join."

While emphasizing his prior calls for a broad government during the election campaign and reiterating the offer two days prior, Netanyahu did not specify which parties he approached or if practical negotiations were underway. He also attacked the "change bloc" leaders, alleging they are working to establish a minority government dependent on Arab parties. "They are declaring impossible conditions from every platform, designed to preemptively thwart any possibility of establishing a broad national government," he stated, asserting that these leaders prioritize their political interests over national ones.

These statements coincide with efforts by Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the National Unity Party, to garner support for forming a government. During consultations at the President's Residence, Ra'am and Yisrael Beiteinu recommended Eisenkot, while Shas, Religious Zionism, and Otzma Yehudit recommended Netanyahu.

In a separate part of his statement, Netanyahu addressed suspicions of foreign interference in the elections, citing concerns about large sums of money transferred from foreign countries to influence voting. "There are serious suspicions of involvement by foreign countries with enormous sums of money to sway election results in the State of Israel," he said. He urged the removal of obstacles to a security investigation, stating, "We must reach the full truth, without whitewashing and without delay. Election integrity is the foundation of democracy." His comments followed a Shin Bet announcement regarding suspicions of extensive foreign funding. However, Central Elections Committee Chairman Noam Sohlberg clarified that the elections were conducted properly and that even if the suspicions are confirmed, they would not alter the overall election results.