אחרי כשעה בלבד: פגישת האחדות נתניהו-אייזנקוט הסתיימה מוקדם מהצפוי

A meeting between negotiation teams from the Likud, Yisrael Beiteinu, and Yachad parties, intended to discuss forming a unity government, concluded after only an hour without any reported breakthroughs. The meeting, held at the Dan Accadia Hotel in Herzliya, was attended by Likud faction chairman Ofir Katz and lawyer Michael Ravilo, Yisrael Beiteinu's Hili Tropper and Yoav Horowitz (senior advisor to Gadi Eisenkot), and Shlomo Shlomo, representing Yachad party chairman Naftali Bennett. Yisrael Beiteinu had also proposed including MK Elisha Madan, who had been protesting for a unity government, but he did not attend.

The primary obstacle to an agreement remains the question of who will lead the government. Eisenkot seeks to head a government without a rotation with Netanyahu, while the Likud insists Netanyahu must be prime minister, rejecting even a rotation. Eisenkot's proposed coalition would include the Likud and other current coalition parties, excluding Otzma Yehudit, whereas the Likud demands all parties in Netanyahu's bloc, including Otzma Yehudit, be part of the government.

Beyond leadership, Eisenkot emphasizes a government based on shared values like state education, mutual responsibility, and military service, while the Likud seeks a unity government without preconditions. Likud sources claim there are no preconditions for a direct meeting between Netanyahu and Eisenkot, with all options on the table.

Within the "change bloc," there is opposition to these talks. Yair Golan, chairman of the Democrats, stated that the path to change does not involve unity talks with Netanyahu, advocating instead for a partnership to replace the current government. MK Yulia Malinowski of Yisrael Beiteinu harshly criticized the negotiations, comparing dealing with Netanyahu to dealing with a "Tinder con artist," suggesting he speaks of unity only when his position is threatened.

MK Meirav Ben Ari of Yachad criticized Transportation Minister Miri Regev for supporting Netanyahu's unity initiative, questioning how unity can be discussed while denying legitimacy to representatives of over 20% of the population. Prior to the meeting, Eisenkot presented his view on unity at the Ben-Gurion Heritage Institute, stating that shared values are more important than a political agreement for a national unity government.

Meanwhile, Netanyahu reiterated his call for direct negotiations with Eisenkot "without preconditions," framing it as essential for Israel's security and future. Eisenkot dismissed this as a "spin" and a "ploy," noting that Netanyahu's call came after a meeting was already scheduled and that he continues to attack and divide.

Background talks are also occurring between Eisenkot and ultra-Orthodox parties. Last week, Eisenkot secretly met with United Torah Judaism chairman Yaakov Asher, who confirmed exploratory talks on general lines but denied a detailed negotiation. Asher also met with Yisrael Beiteinu chairman Avigdor Lieberman.