Journalist Backs Unity Government Under Netanyahu With Strict Conditions

Journalist Ben Caspit has expressed conditional support for a national unity government, emphasizing the need for clear, enforceable terms, particularly concerning the premiership. Caspit argues that national unity is crucial given Israel's significant security, political, and social challenges, including ongoing threats from Iran, Hezbollah, and Hamas, alongside a notable emigration of Israelis.

While open to unity, even with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whom he holds largely responsible for the current situation, Caspit has laid out several non-negotiable conditions. These include legislation for a state commission of inquiry, a two-term limit for the prime minister, a genuine conscription law, the repeal of judicial overhaul laws, and the establishment of a professional council to propose judicial reforms within a year. He also suggests a balanced override clause requiring a special majority in both the Knesset and the Supreme Court.

Caspit's central condition revolves around the prime minister's role, stating Netanyahu cannot be first in any rotation. He cited past experiences with Benny Gantz, Yitzhak Herzog, and Shaul Mofaz, suggesting they were politically harmed after trusting Netanyahu's promises. Caspit warned that any deal where Netanyahu doesn't pay the full cost upfront is a "pyramid scheme."

He considered Gadi Eisenkot's proposal for the Likud to join a four-year government led by Eisenkot without rotation as a more viable option. Caspit indicated that Netanyahu could be considered for the second position in such a rotation. Alternatively, Caspit suggested Eisenkot could form a government with "change parties" and external support from Arab factions, concluding that he would prefer Eisenkot to form a government immediately if he had the power.