Retired General Calls for Unity Government Led by Netanyahu

Brigadier General (Res.) Amir Avivi, founder of the "The Securityists" movement, is urging Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and "Yash" party Chairman Gadi Eisenkot to form a national unity government. Avivi, who visited a "unity tent" near the Knesset in Jerusalem, emphasized that both sides would need to make difficult compromises for such a government to materialize.

In an interview with Channel 7, Avivi stated his belief that Netanyahu should lead the proposed joint government, with any potential rotation or future arrangements to be decided during negotiations. He argued that the current situation, with "seven fronts" and significant internal challenges, requires political unity. "The vast majority of this nation wants to see the political system unite in the face of challenges. We are tired of the arguments, tired of the pettiness," Avivi said.

Addressing demands from Eisenkot's party regarding concessions from Netanyahu and the right, Avivi stressed that the responsibility for reaching agreements lies with both parties. He asserted that unity has a price and requires compromise, but that the common ground between the factions is greater than their differences. Avivi also expressed strong opposition to a government relying on the votes of Arab parties, especially after the October 7th events, citing the pain of bereaved families.

Avivi dismissed claims that Netanyahu is using the Iranian threat to push for a unity government, noting that Netanyahu had called for a broad government even before the elections. He highlighted the seriousness of the Iranian nuclear threat and the need for national unity to address it, expressing confidence that commonalities outweigh divisions and urging an effort to unite.