Netanyahu Calls for Unity Government Amid Security Threats and Political Wrangling
Translated & summarized from i24NEWS French by baba
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called for a national unity government, citing existential threats from Iran and the need to counter Arab parties he claims seek Israel's destruction. Speaking to the Knesset, Netanyahu warned of international pressure regarding Iran's nuclear program and Israeli military positions. His speech was met with interruptions and sharp criticism from opposition figures, including former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, while Netanyahu sought to maintain alliances with Orthodox parties amid ongoing government formation talks.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called for a national unity government in a Knesset address.
- Netanyahu warned of Iran's persistent nuclear ambitions and potential international pressure on Israel.
- He accused Arab parties of agreeing on Israel's destruction, despite perceived differences.
- Opposition figures, including Naftali Bennett, interrupted and criticized Netanyahu's speech.
- Netanyahu sought to maintain alliances with Orthodox parties amid government formation talks.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged the formation of a national unity government on Tuesday, addressing the 26th Knesset shortly after new lawmakers were sworn in. His speech, punctuated by heated exchanges, focused on security threats and political maneuvering. Netanyahu warned against a minority government reliant on Arab parties, highlighting Iran's persistent nuclear ambitions despite Israeli strikes. He asserted that "the only way to permanently eliminate this existential threat is to overthrow the ayatollah regime." The Prime Minister also cautioned that Israel might face international pressure to accept a nuclear Iran and concede military gains in Gaza, Lebanon, and Judea and Samaria.
Netanyahu then sharply criticized Arab political parties, particularly those that might support a government led by Gadi Eisenkot. He argued that parties like Ra'am and the Joint List, despite perceived differences in moderation, fundamentally agree on the destruction of Israel as a Jewish state. "On one point, they agree: Israel, as a Jewish state, has no right to exist," he stated, also condemning the portrayal of Hamas as a charity rather than a terrorist organization by some Arab lawmakers.
The Prime Minister's remarks sparked significant reactions. Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett repeatedly interrupted Netanyahu, questioning the lack of a national inquiry into the October 7 events and alleged advisor ties to Qatar. Minister Itamar Ben Gvir responded to Bennett by suggesting he join Mansour Abbas, while MK Yaïr Golan walked out. MK Gilad Kariv accused Netanyahu of inciting hatred and declared that a unity government with him would be impossible.
Netanyahu also addressed the Orthodox parties, a key target for Eisenkot's camp seeking a parliamentary majority. He cautioned them against left-wing promises, assuring them of his commitment to preserving alliances and addressing issues like yeshiva student status and conscription laws based on broad consensus and cooperation with their spiritual authorities. Negotiations for the next government are ongoing.
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