Coalition Negotiators Meet Amidst Political Tensions

Negotiating teams from Israel's National Unity party and the Likud party are scheduled to meet on Sunday to discuss coalition formation. Michael Rabello, a lawyer who was a candidate for State Comptroller and previously served as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's personal attorney, will join the Likud's negotiation team. The National Unity team will be led by Yoav Horowitz, a former chief of staff to Netanyahu and director-general of the Prime Minister's Office, and MK Hili Tropper.

National Unity leader Gadi Eisenkot announced the meeting on Saturday, stating that the parties' teams would convene. Following this announcement, Likud MK Elisha Madan declared he would set up a protest tent outside the Knesset, calling for a unity government. National Unity invited the Likud to include Madan in Sunday's meeting.

Meanwhile, MK Rafi Ben-Shitrit of Yisrael Beiteinu stated that his party would not join a government led by Netanyahu. He cautioned those considering joining a Netanyahu-led government to remember past experiences and broken promises, emphasizing the need for a stable government focused on citizens' needs rather than political survival.

Eisenkot responded to Netanyahu's call for unity government negotiations by calling it a "routine bluff," accusing Netanyahu of seeking talks after decisions were already made and of demeaning state institutions. Netanyahu had urged National Unity's leader to enter negotiations "without preconditions" to reach agreements for Israel's security and future, referencing a recent security briefing he held with Eisenkot. Netanyahu expressed his belief that a national unity government was essential to face current security challenges.

Eisenkot countered on social media, stating that such "tricks" do not work on him and reiterated that the conditions for joining an emergency government under his leadership include recognizing his principles and parting ways with extremists. He suggested that if the Likud and Religious Zionism are serious about partnership, they should allow a proper democratic process, specifically by supporting MK Matan Kahana's bid for Knesset Speaker, presenting it as an opportunity to prove their sincerity or reveal their political maneuvering.