Netanyahu Calls for Unity Government, Slams Arab Parties

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called on Saturday evening for a "national unity government" and warned against forming a government reliant on Arab parties. Speaking after election results and recommendation consultations, Netanyahu attacked Arab parties, stating that some intend to "work on forming a government with supporters of terrorism who want to eliminate the State of Israel and establish a Palestinian state." He asserted that a government linked to "supporters of Hamas and haters of Judaism and radical Islam" would not defend Israel as a Jewish state or counter existential threats like Iran, but would instead dismantle it from within. He urged a unity government encompassing all "Zionist parties" to address the Iranian nuclear threat and preserve Israel's Jewish character, calling it a "demand of the hour for our existence."

Netanyahu's remarks followed a call by Yishai faction leader Gadi Eisenkot for all Knesset blocs to join a government under his leadership, based on four conditions. Eisenkot responded to Netanyahu's unity call, suggesting that Netanyahu's emphasis on unity only emerged after realizing his tenure was ending. Eisenkot accused Netanyahu of systematically undermining unity, even during wartime, and of failing to adhere to past agreements, citing the formation of the October 7th government with Itamar Ben-Gvir as Senior Minister against his own pledges. Eisenkot characterized Netanyahu as a "prime minister of failure" who excelled only at "dismantling Israeli society."

Eisenkot stated his emergency government would include only parties and Knesset members supporting Yishai's four principles, including recognizing Hamas as a terrorist organization and committing to dismantling its military and governmental power. He invited the Likud party to publicly disavow extremists and accept his principles, suggesting their sudden interest in unity might be a "desperate media maneuver."

On Friday, Eisenkot reiterated his plan for a national emergency government based on four principles: recognizing Israel as a Jewish and democratic state, accepting the values of the Declaration of Independence, ensuring universal service (military, national, and civil) to strengthen the IDF, and recognizing Hamas as a terrorist organization with a commitment to dismantle its military and governmental power.

Israel's President announced Saturday evening that he would task Eisenkot with forming the next government, following recommendation consultations with all parties. Eisenkot received the majority of recommendations, with 67 Knesset members supporting him, compared to 46 for Netanyahu. The United Torah Judaism party abstained from recommending any candidate.