MK Calls for Unity Government, Willing to Pay Personal Price

Member of Knesset Elisha Mardan of the Likud party has established a protest tent outside the Knesset, calling for the formation of a national unity government. Mardan, who lost his legs in the Gaza war, stated in an interview with Arutz 7 that he is personally willing to do "everything" for unity and rejected claims that he is being used as a political tool by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Mardan explained his presence at the protest, saying, "Instead of going home, I come here to the tent." He described his morning routine as waking up in the tent and then proceeding to the Knesset, "walking, rolling with a chair." He feels a sense of urgency, stating, "Sitting at home feels wrong now. I want to sit here in the street and cry out this cry." He emphasized the critical juncture, calling it "a test time, a historic opportunity" to establish a unity government.

Addressing accusations of being a pawn for Netanyahu, Mardan asserted, "I don't feel like a tool. I feel like I am acting out of personal choice and doing what my heart tells me to do." He affirmed his pride in being part of the Likud party and the right-wing camp, believing this identity aligns with his call for bridging divides. He aims to end the prolonged conflict between blocs, reminding listeners that "the war is not over, our fighters are still fighting."

Mardan clarified that his call is directed at all parties, not just his own, and he does not issue demands or conditions. He noted that his initiative has garnered support from bereaved families, wounded soldiers, and citizens from across the country, including residents from the Golan Heights and Kiryat Shmona, who came to express solidarity.

While expressing a personal willingness to compromise for a unity government, Mardan admitted he is not a negotiator and his role is primarily to call for action. He acknowledged the deep distrust between political camps, particularly concerning Netanyahu, stating, "I completely understand them. I understand there is absolute distrust between the two sides." He urged overcoming this distrust, asserting, "We are not two nations, we are one nation, we are one people." Mardan is awaiting representatives from the "change bloc" to join him, extending a direct invitation for them to visit the tent.