Netanyahu Calls for Unity, Eisenkot Rejects Alliance with Extremists

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called for national unity, stating "This is a time for unity" and "national unity is the only option." He emphasized that a unity government should include all "national camp" and Zionist parties to protect Israel as the Jewish state, remove the threat from Iran, and foster internal unity. However, Netanyahu made it clear he would not abandon his current bloc, asserting that a government relying on supporters of terror or those who wish to destroy Israel would not fight Hamas, protect Jewish identity, or counter radical Islam. He also claimed that Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of Yishar!, intends to form a government relying on Arab parties.

In response, Yishar! called Netanyahu's speech "hysterical" and stated that if the Likud desires unity, they must publicly dismantle their alliance with "extremists," accept Eisenkot's four principles, and be willing to join a government under Eisenkot's leadership. Yishar! also accused Netanyahu of consistently acting against unity, citing his formation of the government with Itamar Ben-Gvir as a senior minister against his own promise.

Eisenkot is expected to receive the mandate to form a government from President Isaac Herzog on Sunday, having received recommendations from 67 Knesset members compared to Netanyahu's 46. Yishar! indicated a willingness to cooperate with Haredi parties, but with strict conditions. Chairman Yair Golan stated that while they do not seek to punish the Haredi public, any partnership requires mutual responsibility. He outlined demands including the conscription of Haredim, increased employment integration, and respect for secular lifestyles, such as the ability to go out on Shabbat and use public transportation.

Meanwhile, Yisrael Beiteinu chairman Avigdor Lieberman announced he would vote against a minority government reliant on Arab votes. He expressed readiness to compromise on the conscription law to form a government with the Haredim, prioritizing national interest over other considerations. Eisenkot, however, signaled his intention to proceed with forming a minority government supported externally by Ra'am and potentially United Torah Judaism, implicitly criticizing Lieberman for potentially obstructing the government's formation for personal reasons.