Netanyahu Calls for Unity Government with Eisenkot, Citing Iran Threat

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday evening called on Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the National Unity Party, to form a national unity government with him, citing escalating security threats, particularly from Iran. Netanyahu referenced a meeting with Eisenkot on Thursday, stating it reinforced his understanding of the necessity for a unity government that supports Israel as the state of the Jewish people. He urged Eisenkot to enter negotiations without preconditions, set aside disputes, and reach agreements, including on the sensitive issue of conscription, in cooperation with the ultra-Orthodox parties.

Netanyahu warned that Iran is actively working to revive its nuclear program, asserting that a narrow government, or one reliant on "supporters of terrorism," would be incapable of confronting this existential threat. He invoked past operations like "With All Your Might" and "Lion's Roar" as examples of Israel's efforts to prevent Iran's nuclear armament. The Prime Minister proposed that instead of forming a "shaky and dangerous government," he and Eisenkot should meet, put aside all disagreements and boycotts, and reach understandings for Israel's security and future.

Bezalel Smotrich, chairman of the Religious Zionism Party, publicly supported Netanyahu's call, expressing hope that Eisenkot would reciprocate and emphasizing his party's commitment to national unity and responsibility. This appeal follows a nearly two-hour security meeting between Netanyahu and Eisenkot on Thursday, which primarily focused on Iran. Despite the meeting, a source from the National Unity Party indicated after the discussion that Eisenkot's stance remained unchanged: to replace the current Netanyahu government as soon as possible.

Eisenkot, who received the mandate to form a government from the President, is reportedly pursuing efforts to establish a "change government" in cooperation with the ultra-Orthodox parties through unofficial channels. This initiative proceeds despite mutual distrust and concerns about broken agreements. The Prime Minister's call for unity comes after the National Unity Party canceled a scheduled negotiation meeting with the Likud on Tuesday, criticizing Netanyahu for choosing division over unity for political reasons. Several members within the National Unity Party have also expressed strong opposition to forming a government led by Netanyahu.