Netanyahu renews unity government call as Eisenkot dismisses ploy

Summarised from 2 outlets · 3 reports · Updated 15 Nov, 05:31 · Archive

Benjamin Netanyahu has renewed his call for a national unity government with Gadi Eisenkot, who dismissed the appeal as a political ploy.

Israeli caretaker Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday renewed his call for a national unity government with Gadi Eisenkot in a video statement. Netanyahu said a meeting with Eisenkot on Thursday strengthened his conviction that such a government was essential to guarantee Israel's security and could 'eliminate the Iranian threat once and for all'. He claimed Tehran would 'not hesitate to use nuclear weapons against us' and said the government would be made up of parties that recognise Israel 'as a state for the Jewish people'.

Eisenkot, a former army chief tasked with forming a government after neither side won a majority in the 27 October election, quickly dismissed the appeal. He said Netanyahu 'knows he lost the election' and that 'Netanyahu is calling for negotiations while they are already underway. These tricks don't work on me.' Eisenkot has until 6 December to form a government, with a possible 14-day extension.

Netanyahu's right-wing and religious bloc took 53 seats in the 120-seat Knesset, Eisenkot's four-party bloc got 48, and Arab-led parties won 19. Eisenkot plans a minority 'national emergency government' where his 48 lawmakers would vote in favour while the 26 lawmakers from Arab and ultra-Orthodox parties would abstain, allowing approval without an absolute majority. Netanyahu has warned such a government would lead to Israel's 'collapse'.

How it is being reported

• Netanyahu sends plea to Eisenkot for unity governmentBenjamin Netanyahu has issued a public plea to opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot to form a unity government.Al Jazeera · 15 Nov, 01:33
• Netanyahu says only a unity government can guarantee Israel’s securityEisenkot, in charge of forming a government, dismisses the appeal as ‘tricks’ as talks and a Knesset speaker vote loom.Al Jazeera · 14 Nov, 23:01
• Netanyahu renews call for Israeli government unity as Eisenkot dismisses 'tricks'Israeli caretaker Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday renewed his call for a national unity government with Gadi Eisenkot, who dismissed the appeal as a political ploy. This comes as the incoming premier is in the midst of negotiations to form a new administration.France 24 · 14 Nov, 20:35

In this story: Benjamin Netanyahu · Gadi Eisenkot · Israel · Iran · Knesset · Isaac Herzog · Likud Party

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