Netanyahu Aide Claims Eisenkot Rejected Unity Overture
Translated & summarized from Kan News by baba
An associate of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claims an emissary was sent to Gadi Eisenkot to discuss a unity government but was rejected. Eisenkot is expected to receive the mandate to form a government on Sunday, based on principles including recognizing Hamas as a terror group. Netanyahu publicly called for national unity, warning against a government dependent on Islamist parties. Avigdor Lieberman has signaled openness to ultra-Orthodox support for a government.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- An associate of PM Netanyahu claims Gadi Eisenkot rejected an overture for a unity government.
- Gadi Eisenkot is expected to receive the mandate to form a government on Sunday.
- Netanyahu publicly urged national unity, warning against a government reliant on Islamist parties.
- Eisenkot outlined four principles for a national emergency government, including recognizing Hamas as terror group.
- Avigdor Lieberman is reportedly open to ultra-Orthodox support for a government, contradicting past promises.
An individual close to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claims that an emissary sent by the Prime Minister to explore the possibility of forming a unity government with Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the National Unity Party, was "rejected outright." The report emerged Saturday evening from Kan News. The Yisrael Beiteinu party stated that they "are not aware of any such outreach."
While Netanyahu has not officially proposed a rotation in the Prime Minister's office, his associates believe he would be open to discussing it if substantive negotiations were to occur. Earlier on Saturday, the Prime Minister issued a public statement calling for unity, declaring it "the will of the people, the need of the hour." He warned against the formation of a government reliant on "terror supporters" and "Islamists," asserting that such a government would "destroy the State of Israel from within" and that "Israel will not survive" such a scenario. Netanyahu called for a "national unity government" that would include "all parties of the national camp and all Zionist parties that wish to preserve our country."
Prior to Shabbat, Netanyahu reportedly issued a warning to the ultra-Orthodox parties, stating that if they align with the "change bloc," they would not be able to restore the status quo. This comes amid reports that Avigdor Lieberman, leader of Yisrael Beiteinu, indicated openness to forming a government with the support of ultra-Orthodox parties, contradicting his pre-election promises.
Barring unforeseen developments, the mandate to form a government is expected to be given to Gadi Eisenkot on Sunday. Eisenkot announced Friday afternoon his intention to swiftly establish a "national emergency government" based on four principles: recognition of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state, adherence to the values of the Declaration of Independence, a commitment to military, national, and civil service, and the designation of Hamas as a terrorist organization whose power must be dismantled. Eisenkot warned that anyone attempting to obstruct the government's formation for personal reasons would be remembered historically for failing to rise to the occasion during a time of crisis.
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