Netanyahu Pushes Unity Government Amidst Efforts to Form New Israeli Administration

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his call for a national unity government led by him, while Gadi Eisenkot continues his efforts to form the next government. These efforts are complicated by internal disagreements within the anti-Netanyahu bloc regarding the inclusion of Haredi parties, reliance on Arab party support, and military conscription terms. Netanyahu, in a video statement on Monday, described a unity government as an "absolute necessity" and urged the inclusion of all national camp parties, Haredi parties, and other Zionist parties. This move is seen as an attempt to obstruct Eisenkot's government-forming mission, which he was officially tasked with. Netanyahu's statements coincided with a meeting between Eisenkot and Avigdor Lieberman, head of the Yisrael Beiteinu party. They issued a joint statement describing the meeting as "practical and positive," expressing "full confidence in the possibility of forming a stable government that will last four years." Channel 13 reported that the meeting reached an understanding on the identity of the candidate for Knesset Speaker, without revealing the name. Public broadcaster Kan 11 stated the agreement designates the position to a member of the Yesh Atid party, with coordination planned with other bloc parties before an announcement. Eisenkot himself, his party member Hili Tropper, and Yair Lapid were previously mentioned as potential candidates for the Knesset Speaker role. Meanwhile, Netanyahu intensified his criticism of a potential minority government relying on Arab parties, labeling them "supporters of terrorism" and "supporters of Hamas." He argued that "it is impossible to defeat radical Islam in Iran and its proxies if the government is based on the support of radical Islam." Netanyahu stressed that the unity government must include all national camp parties, including the Haredi parties, along with other Zionist parties, stating, "I am not boycotting anyone. Enough with personal boycotts. We must unite our forces to face the current challenges." Asserting his claim to lead the next government, Netanyahu stated that the largest party should lead, noting that his Likud party received the most votes, over a quarter-million more than its closest competitor. He declared his readiness to negotiate with all parties involved in forming a unity government. Israeli President Isaac Herzog tasked Eisenkot with forming the next government on Sunday, granting him an initial 28-day period, extendable by 14 days. Eisenkot faces internal bloc disagreements concerning Haredi party participation and military conscription terms, as well as Lieberman's refusal to form a government involving or supported by Arab parties. Parliamentary data indicates Eisenkot's bloc has 48 seats, compared to Netanyahu's 53, with Arab parties holding 19 seats. Eisenkot could reach the required 61-seat majority if the Shas and United Torah Judaism parties join, but disagreements over Haredi exemption from military service hinder this option, despite Lieberman's expressed flexibility. Concurrently, Eisenkot is exploring the possibility of forming a minority government supported by the United Arab List, which holds eight seats, potentially garnering 56 MKs' support with another party abstaining. This could involve United Torah Judaism or the Joint List (11 seats) abstaining. Israeli political analyses suggest Eisenkot prefers Haredi abstention to avoid reliance on the Joint List, while Naftali Bennett has not finalized his position on a minority government with Arab support. Negotiations are ongoing alongside efforts by the anti-Netanyahu bloc to replace the current Likud Knesset Speaker, Amir Ohana, before proceeding with government formation. Israeli political assessments suggest Eisenkot might bring a minority government to a vote even without prior agreement from all partners, aiming to push hesitant parties to decide. Transferring the Knesset Speakership to his bloc would expand his parliamentary maneuverability.