Netanyahu Calls for Unity Government Amid Coalition Formation Uncertainty

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged the formation of a national unity government encompassing all parties within his bloc, a significant shift in rhetoric following recent elections. The call came on November 7th, ahead of Gadi Eisenkot's expected mandate to form a government, with 67 Knesset members having recommended Eisenkot to the president. Netanyahu, who had previously accused opponents of "stealing the election," is now advocating for a "broad national government," particularly as ultra-Orthodox parties consider joining Eisenkot. Netanyahu stated that unity is the people's will and a demand of the times, emphasizing his consistent calls for it both before and after the elections. He proposed including all "national camp" and "Zionist" parties committed to preserving Israel as the sole state of the Jewish people, framing the choice as between "national unity" and "national suicide."

Netanyahu also accused Eisenkot of planning to hastily swear in a government reliant on Arab parties, labeling these potential partners as "supporters of terror" aiming to destroy Israel and establish Palestine. He argued that a government dependent on Hamas and radical Islamic supporters could not effectively combat them, protect Israel's Jewish character, counter Iran's nuclear threat, or ensure soldier safety in Gaza and Lebanon. He further claimed that some members of such a government view IDF soldiers as war criminals and glorify Hezbollah fighters, warning that dependence on Islamists would lead to Israel's internal destruction.

Meanwhile, significant disagreements persist within Eisenkot's bloc regarding the future coalition's composition. Yair Golan, chairman of the Democrats party, expressed openness to cooperating with ultra-Orthodox parties but set conditions. Golan called for a change from the Netanyahu government to one that ensures Israel's democratic character, security, and future. He stressed a desire for partnership with the ultra-Orthodox based on mutual responsibility, including their conscription into the army, increased labor participation, and education for viable careers. Golan stated the middle class can no longer bear the sole economic and security burdens, contrasting his approach with Netanyahu's by saying, "Unlike Netanyahu, we will not go to Bnei Brak or Mea Shearim. Whoever wants a partnership with us will have to meet us in Ramat Gan." He also demanded mutual respect for different lifestyles, allowing for Saturday rest, cafe access, and public transport in municipalities representing his voters, emphasizing that cooperation requires agreement on changes.

Gilad Kariv, a Democrat Party MK, interpreted Netanyahu's call for unity as an acknowledgment that his camp lost the elections. On November 6, 2026, Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of Yisrael Beiteinu, announced he would vote against a minority government supported by Arab parties. He expressed willingness to compromise on the conscription law to form a coalition with the ultra-Orthodox, aiming to end the Netanyahu era and avoid new elections, while rejecting a government dependent on the Joint Arab List and Ra'am. Lieberman called for flexibility on other issues, including conscription, deeming the compromise painful but necessary for national interests.

Eisenkot, however, indicated he is proceeding with his original plan to form a 48-seat minority government with external support from Ra'am and possibly Yahadut HaTorah. He described the current situation as a test of leadership and patriotism, warning that anyone who delays or sabotages government formation for personal reasons will be remembered for failing to meet the demands of the time and aid Israel's salvation in an emergency, a failure that "will not be forgiven."