Bennett Open to Unity Government With Netanyahu

Former Prime Minister and Together party chairman Naftali Bennett has indicated he is not ruling out the possibility of forming a unity government that includes Benjamin Netanyahu. Bennett conveyed this stance in a recent conversation with a leader of the "change bloc," as reported by Yuval Segev on Channel 13 news.

Bennett stated, "I refuse to take unity off the table, even with Netanyahu." These remarks were made during discussions among "change bloc" leaders regarding political options Bennett wishes to keep open, as Yesh party chairman Gadi Eisenkot attempts to form a government. The conversation did not specify Netanyahu as a potential prime minister in such a unity government and predated Netanyahu's sharp speech at the opening of the 26th Knesset.

The Together party responded to the report, stating, "Netanyahu's divisive and vitriolic speech proves he cannot remain in office for even one more moment." The party added that "former Prime Minister Bennett will continue to work towards establishing a government headed by Eisenkot as quickly as possible."

These developments follow Netanyahu's repeated calls for a national unity government encompassing all Zionist parties, asserting that the Likud should lead it. Conversely, Eisenkot has previously stated he would not serve in a government led by Netanyahu, though sources close to the Prime Minister's office continue to explore options for a broad coalition.