Netanyahu Calls for National Unity Government Amid Political Turmoil

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a video Saturday evening calling for the formation of a national unity government, a move that comes as President Yitzhak Herzog is expected to decide on assigning the mandate to form a government. Netanyahu accused "change bloc" parties of intending to establish a government dependent on "terror supporters" and "haters of Judaism," warning that such a government would "tear Israel apart from within." He asserted that the only alternative is a national unity government comprising "all national camp parties and all Zionist parties."

The National Unity Party (Yisrael) swiftly rejected Netanyahu's proposal, labeling it a "pathetic spin" and accusing him of hypocrisy, citing his past actions that allegedly divided Israeli society. They stated that Gadi Eisenkot's emergency national government would include only parties supporting his four core principles, including recognizing Hamas as a terror organization and committing to its destruction. They challenged Netanyahu and his allies to publicly abandon "extremists" and accept Eisenkot's principles to join his government.

Meanwhile, Yair Golan, Chairman of the Democratic Party, expressed openness to partnership with the ultra-Orthodox parties, stating, "We are not looking to punish the ultra-Orthodox. We want a partnership with the ultra-Orthodox public, but real partnership requires mutual responsibility." However, he insisted on the necessity of drafting the ultra-Orthodox into the military and expanding their integration into the workforce, while also demanding respect for secular lifestyles, including public transportation on Shabbat.

Gadi Eisenkot, Chairman of the National Unity Party, reiterated his commitment to his four principles, which include recognizing Israel as a Jewish and democratic state, the duty of service for all, recognizing Hamas as a terror organization, and committing to its destruction. He outlined a plan to quickly form a national emergency government with the "four change and Zionist correction parties," inviting any party or Knesset member who agrees to his core principles to join, either immediately or gradually. Eisenkot emphasized the urgency of establishing stable leadership to prevent further elections and Netanyahu's "entrenchment" in office.