Eisenkot Cancels Talks With Likud After Netanyahu's Knesset Speech

Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the National Unity Party, ordered on Tuesday the cancellation of a scheduled negotiation meeting with Likud representatives. The decision came in response to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech at the swearing-in ceremony of the 26th Knesset.

Eisenkot's party stated that Netanyahu's speech, which called for a unity government and criticized Arab parties, was divisive and undermined the solemnity of the Knesset swearing-in. The party accused the outgoing prime minister of exploiting the ceremony for a partisan address and of not truly desiring unity, suggesting he prioritized his political survival over Israeli societal strength.

National Unity had approached all Knesset factions to negotiate based on four principles for government formation, leading to the planned meeting with Likud. However, following Netanyahu's remarks, Eisenkot decided to call off the talks.

Netanyahu, who currently holds the mandate to form a government, had urged the formation of a national unity government in his speech, warning against a coalition reliant on Arab parties and calling on ultra-Orthodox parties not to join a narrow government.

The Likud party responded by stating that Prime Minister Netanyahu is committed to national unity and willing to meet with any faction that desires it. They reiterated Netanyahu's stance against cooperating with "terror supporters" and those who walked out during the "Hatikvah" anthem, expressing surprise at the cancellation of the meeting with Likud while other negotiations continue. The Likud affirmed that Netanyahu continues to work towards establishing a national unity government.