Netanyahu Calls for Unity Government Led by Likud, Omits Rotation

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a video Monday calling for the formation of a broad unity government led by the Likud party. He expressed willingness to engage in talks with parties outside the right-wing bloc but insisted the Likud must lead. Netanyahu's proposal did not address the possibility of a rotation in the prime minister's role.

The appeal comes a day after President Yitzhak Herzog tasked National Camp Chairman Gadi Eisenkot with forming a government, amidst ongoing negotiations between Eisenkot and Yisrael Beiteinu Chairman Avigdor Lieberman. Netanyahu framed the unity government as a solution to Israel's security challenges and reiterated his opposition to a government reliant on Arab parties, arguing such a government could not effectively counter threats from Iran and its proxies.

Netanyahu emphasized that the proposed government should include all national camp parties, including the ultra-Orthodox parties, and called for the inclusion of other Zionist parties, stating, "I am not ruling anyone out and no one should rule out. Enough with boycotts." When asked about leadership, he stated the largest party, Likud, should lead, citing its significant electoral advantage over the next largest party. However, he provided no details on how consensus would be reached or how leadership roles would be divided.

This is Netanyahu's latest call for a broad government, following a Saturday video in which he strongly criticized the prospect of a government supported by Arab parties. In the post-election consultations, 67 Knesset members recommended Eisenkot for the premiership, compared to 46 for Netanyahu, with seven abstentions. Eisenkot has 28 days to form a government, with a possible 14-day extension.

A key dispute within Eisenkot's bloc involves the formation of a minority government supported by Arab parties, which Lieberman opposes. Lieberman advocates for cooperation with the ultra-Orthodox parties, contingent on agreements regarding military conscription. This stance complicates Eisenkot's efforts to secure a majority. Meanwhile, Netanyahu aims to retain his right-wing allies and attract additional parties, leaving the division of portfolios and leadership unresolved.