Eisenkot Accuses Netanyahu of Political Maneuvering Amid Coalition Talks

Gadi Eisenkot, head of the Yamina Party, responded to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's call for negotiations by revealing that a coalition negotiation meeting between Yamina and Likud representatives was already scheduled for the following day. Eisenkot characterized Netanyahu's announcement as a "political maneuver," stating that the Prime Minister was aware of the pre-arranged meeting but sought to portray himself as the initiator. Eisenkot asserted that Netanyahu speaks of unity while practicing incitement and division, and that these tactics would not deceive him or the Israeli public. He emphasized that Yamina's potential entry into a national emergency government led by Netanyahu is contingent on recognizing Yamina's principles and distancing from extremist factions. Eisenkot also pointed to a vote on Tuesday for Knesset Member Matan Kahana, a candidate of the Change and Reform parties, to become Speaker of the Knesset as a political test for Likud and the Religious Zionists, urging them to support Kahana to demonstrate their commitment to political partnership. Eisenkot concluded by stating his continued efforts to form a national emergency government quickly, accusing Netanyahu of obstructing its formation and preventing the replacement of the Knesset Speaker. Earlier, Prime Minister Netanyahu had invited Eisenkot to unconditional negotiations for a national unity government, stressing the importance of including all parties supporting Israel as a Jewish state. Netanyahu cited a recent security conversation with Eisenkot as reinforcing his conviction that a unity government is necessary to confront security challenges, particularly the Iranian threat. He warned that Iran seeks to resume its nuclear program and would not hesitate to use nuclear weapons against Israel if developed, highlighting the need to prevent this existential threat. Netanyahu argued that a narrow government or one reliant on terror-supporting elements would be incapable of meeting these challenges, whereas a national unity government could ensure Israel's security, boost its economy, and expand regional peace and cooperation agreements. He directly urged Eisenkot to enter negotiations without preconditions, set aside differences, and reach understandings for Israel's security and future, including the issue of conscription, which he suggested could be resolved with the Haredi public's representatives.