Protesters Demand Unity Government Amid Election Dispute

Several organizations, led by the "Fourth Quarter" and "El HaDegel," are planning a demonstration outside the President's Residence on Thursday evening. The protest coincides with the arrival of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and National Unity Party Chairman Gadi Eisenkot, and calls for the leaders of both blocs to enable a unity government. The demonstration occurs as the Likud, Shas, and Otzma Yehudit parties have not accepted the recent election results. Representatives from Otzma Yehudit voted against approving the results in the election committee, while Likud and Shas representatives abstained. MK Amit Halevi of the Likud resigned from the committee, citing foreign interference in the Israeli parliament.

The Likud and Netanyahu claim, without evidence, that widespread election fraud occurred within the Arab community, casting doubt on the results' validity. The current political situation makes forming a coalition unclear. Opposition leaders have stated they will not sit in a coalition reliant on Arab parties and have called for a broad conscription law for the ultra-Orthodox, but have so far refused negotiations with the Likud.

Yoav Heller, chairman of the "Fourth Quarter" movement, acknowledged the seriousness of not accepting election results and the public's lack of attention to political unity. However, he believes a unity government is the only option. Prominent center-left figures, including Tel Aviv Deputy Mayor Assaf Zamir, journalist Nadav Peri, and "Century Initiative" chairwoman Poli Bronstein, have also expressed concern over the refusal to accept results, calling it dangerous to Israeli democracy. They argue that while Netanyahu's actions are shocking, the opposition has fallen into his trap by not pursuing a unity government, which they see as a necessary, albeit risky, move for Netanyahu and parts of the change bloc.

Heller emphasized that a true unity government requires fundamental rules, which one side is currently rejecting. He stated that after 17 years in power, the events of October 7th, and the judicial reform, Netanyahu should have stepped down. However, he noted that the change bloc failed to form a coalition, and parties like United Torah Judaism are playing games. He respects Arab parties but believes a coalition with them is not mandatory, given their ideologies. Heller insists that Netanyahu must recognize the election results and that the fight for a unity government, which he sees as a principled matter larger than Netanyahu, must continue.

He clarified that the proposed unity government would involve the two largest parties, led by Netanyahu and Eisenkot, setting foundational principles and dividing portfolios, with other factions joining later. He believes Netanyahu would attempt to undermine such a constellation, citing the previous "broad national government" with Benny Gantz as a deceptive arrangement. Heller advocates for a comprehensive agreement where Netanyahu serves as prime minister, with a plan for him to eventually end his political career, possibly through resolving his ongoing trial. The government should empower the major parties to stabilize rule and advance policy, including integrating the ultra-Orthodox, combating Arab crime, addressing nationalistic crime in the West Bank, and a diplomatic campaign to strengthen Israel's standing. He believes such a government could even advance significant judicial reform.

In the short term, Heller suggests the opposition should leverage the Knesset constructively, perhaps by appointing a new Knesset speaker from Eisenkot's party, to prevent Netanyahu from paralyzing the government if he declares no unity government will be formed. He advises against forming a state commission of inquiry at this stage. Heller acknowledges that current election results do not show public support for a unity government but insists it is necessary both ethically and as a tactical move against Netanyahu. He believes that if Eisenkot were to consistently pressure Netanyahu, it would create maneuvering space. While leaders currently avoid unity, Heller argues for a public voice advocating for it, presenting a pragmatic third option beyond new elections or a minority government.