Netanyahu Seeks Unity Government to Thwart Eisenkot's Formation Efforts

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has sparked political controversy by calling for a unity government on Saturday evening, a significant shift from his previous rejections of such a coalition, particularly when he sought to maintain his partnership with Itamar Ben-Gvir and far-right allies. Netanyahu's call came as Gadi Eisenkot, head of the Yachad party, neared the possibility of forming a government after being officially tasked by Israeli President Isaac Herzog. Eisenkot received recommendations from 67 Knesset members, compared to 46 who recommended Netanyahu.

In a video address, Netanyahu stated, "This is a time for unity," urging the formation of a broad government including national camp parties and Zionist parties. He affirmed his readiness to negotiate with any party willing to join, provided they do not support what he termed "terrorism." He also warned against a government relying on the support of Arab parties, deeming it a risk to Israel. This appeal follows Netanyahu's earlier openness to a broad government, but only under his leadership and including his right-wing partners, without using the term "unity government." He had previously pledged to Ben-Gvir not to replace his party with others in the government, aiming to reassure his allies and maintain right-wing unity.

Netanyahu's stance change occurs amidst his struggles to form a government, having secured only 46 Knesset member recommendations, while 67 recommended Eisenkot, and seven members recommended no candidate. The Israeli President has tasked Eisenkot with forming the government, granting him 28 days with a possible 14-day extension. Israeli reports suggest Netanyahu's unity call aims to obstruct Eisenkot's government formation, fearing Eisenkot might attract ultra-Orthodox parties and form a government with Arab party support, potentially allowing it to serve a full Knesset term.

Eisenkot rejected Netanyahu's proposal as presented, stating that Likud and its partners are invited to join his government, but only if they dismantle their alliance with far-right parties, commit to his four principles for government formation, and accept him as prime minister. The Yachad party views Netanyahu's unity call as a political maneuver unless accompanied by a clear change in his alliances and positions. Eisenkot is continuing consultations with party leaders to form the new government.

This divergence reflects the escalating political confrontation between Netanyahu and Eisenkot, with the initiative in government formation talks shifting to Eisenkot after receiving the presidential mandate. Netanyahu is attempting to leverage divisions within the opposing camp, particularly concerning the structure of the next government and the potential reliance on support from Arab or ultra-Orthodox parties.