Likud Minister Calls on Bennett, Lieberman, Eisenkot to Join Broad Government

Minister Yoav Kisch of the Likud party has called on former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, Avigdor Lieberman, and Gadi Eisenkot to join a broad unity government. The appeal came during consultations at the Presidential Residence, where Likud representatives met with President Yitzhak Herzog.

During the meeting, Minister Miri Regev accused Eisenkot's "Yashar!" party of omitting one of its four conditions for forming a government. Yashar! vehemently denied this, stating that Regev lied to the President and that their conditions were reiterated just hours earlier. "They lie like they breathe," a Yashar! spokesperson said, accusing Regev of hypocrisy regarding calls for unity.

President Herzog also addressed Regev, cautioning her against using divisive language like "disaster bloc" and referring to Eisenkot as "right or Palestine" while simultaneously seeking a unity government. He advised her to maintain proportionality and respect.

The Likud delegation, which included Regev, Kisch, and MK Ophir Katz, recommended Benjamin Netanyahu as the next Prime Minister to President Herzog. Regev also urged the President to ensure a thorough investigation into alleged foreign funding and deception in the elections, questioning the State Attorney's Office's handling of the matter and the Shin Bet's involvement.

Speaking to reporters afterward, Regev warned of existential threats to Israel if a government relying on "terror-supporting parties" is formed. She emphasized the need to set aside egos, end the boycott of Netanyahu, and unite the "Zionist right bloc." Kisch echoed these sentiments, highlighting the need for a broad, unified national government to address challenges such as the Iranian threat and the potential establishment of a Palestinian state. He urged the left to end its boycott and engage with the right bloc, representing over a million voters.