Netanyahu Shifts Stance, Calls for National Unity Government Amid Ultra-Orthodox Party Concerns

Amidst the complex Israeli political landscape and dwindling chances of forming a new government, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has revived the idea of a national unity government, a proposal he previously dismissed after the elections. This move appears to be an attempt to secure his political position and prevent the formation of an alternative government by the "change bloc." Netanyahu's call came in a recorded speech Saturday evening, where he stated, "This is a time for unity, and there is only one option, not national suicide, but national unity." He urged the formation of a unity government that would include all national camp parties and any Zionist parties wishing to preserve the state.

However, the report suggests Netanyahu's call does not signify a willingness at this stage to abandon his current coalition partners, including Itamar Ben-Gvir's Otzma Yehudit party. This raises questions about the sincerity of the initiative and its potential acceptance by Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the National Unity party, who was tasked by President Yitzhak Herzog with forming the government.

These developments occur against the backdrop of Netanyahu's concerns about Avigdor Lieberman's actions. Assessments within the Likud party indicate Lieberman is coordinating with United Torah Judaism and other ultra-Orthodox representatives, potentially drawing them away from Netanyahu's camp. Consequently, Netanyahu is currently pressuring Shas movement leader Aryeh Deri to remain allied with him and prevent the collapse of the existing coalition.

Likud assessments, as reported by Walla!, suggest two possible outcomes: Lieberman successfully forming an alliance with ultra-Orthodox parties, or Netanyahu being compelled to form a unity government with Eisenkot, despite his prior reservations. Netanyahu is aware that the next government will face highly sensitive political and judicial issues, including the formation of an official investigation committee into the failures of October 7th, the selection of the next justice minister, and appointments to critical positions like the Attorney General, State Prosecutor, and State Comptroller.

In response, figures close to the National Unity party dismissed Netanyahu's unity proposal as a political maneuver. They emphasized that any serious discussion of a broad government must include the dissolution of the alliance with far-right parties, acceptance of Eisenkot's four principles, and a willingness to form a government under his leadership. Party officials also expressed concern over attempts to undermine election results, warning that new elections could escalate challenges to the electoral process's integrity.

Within the "change bloc," Naftali Bennett is facing criticism for his silence on recent political developments. Officials in the bloc estimate that the chances of forming an emergency government with 48 seats, as Eisenkot seeks, appear limited. According to a senior official in the "change bloc," remaining options might be restricted to forming a government comprising the "change bloc" parties and all ultra-Orthodox parties, totaling 61 seats, or proceeding to new elections.