Netanyahu Urges National Unity Government with Eisenkot, Citing Iranian Nuclear Threat

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday evening called on Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the National Unity Party, to form a national unity government. Netanyahu's appeal followed a meeting between the two on Thursday, which he stated reinforced his understanding of the necessity for such a government to address significant security challenges, particularly the Iranian nuclear program.

Netanyahu warned that Iran is actively working to revive its nuclear program, asserting that a narrow government would be incapable of confronting this existential threat. He proposed entering negotiations without preconditions to reach agreements, including on the sensitive issue of military conscription for the ultra-Orthodox, in cooperation with the Haredi parties.

"Let's enter a room, without preconditions, put aside all disputes and all boycotts, and reach agreements for the security and future of Israel," Netanyahu urged Eisenkot, contrasting this with the formation of a "shaky and dangerous government" that he claimed would be unable to meet the nation's challenges.

Bezalel Smotrich, chairman of the Religious Zionism Party, publicly supported Netanyahu's call, expressing hope that Eisenkot would reciprocate the prime minister's outstretched hand and emphasizing his party's commitment to national unity and responsibility.

Despite Netanyahu's overture, sources within the National Unity Party indicated after the Thursday meeting that Eisenkot's position remained unchanged: the current government, led by Netanyahu, needs to be replaced promptly. Eisenkot has been tasked by the President with forming a new government and is reportedly pursuing coalition talks with Haredi parties through unofficial channels, despite mutual distrust.