Netanyahu Calls for Unity Government, Excluding Rotation

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released another video on Monday, calling for the formation of a "unity government" that would include all "national camp" parties, including the ultra-Orthodox factions. This comes amid initial contacts between the United Torah Judaism party and Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, who recently received the mandate to form a government.

Netanyahu emphasized that such a government is a "necessary need of the hour" and should include all Zionist parties, explicitly rejecting boycotts and calling for unity in the face of significant challenges. He also reiterated his opposition to a government that relies on the support of Arab parties.

However, Netanyahu made it clear that he has no intention of relinquishing leadership in any unity government and did not mention the possibility of a rotation in the prime minister's seat. He stated that the largest party, the Likud, which he leads, naturally should head the government, having received a quarter of a million more votes than the next largest party, a clear message to Eisenkot.

Eisenkot, who has 27 days to form a government, also stated his intention to approach all Knesset factions for partnership. He described unity as a "supreme value" and not a political bargaining chip, questioning why Likud and Religious Zionism members would not support a government led by him if they truly believe in unity.

Sources within Likud have privately expressed that the price for a unity government is too high for both sides, citing significant issues awaiting the next government, including a state commission of inquiry into the October 7th failures, the identity of the next justice minister, and other key appointments. Despite these reservations, Netanyahu appears to be seriously considering a unity government as political options narrow, especially when faced with the alternative of a government formed by the opposing bloc, potentially with the ultra-Orthodox parties.