The Yashar party cancelled a meeting with the Likud party following a speech by the caretaker Prime Minister.
Gadi Eisenkot, who has been tasked with forming Israel’s next government, said on Tuesday that caretaker Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is unfit to remain in office. According to the Times of India, Eisenkot described Netanyahu's speech during the swearing-in of the 26th Knesset as delusional, divisive, hateful and disgraceful.
Following the remarks, Eisenkot's Yashar party cancelled a scheduled Wednesday meeting with the Likud party intended for coalition negotiations. The party issued a statement accusing Netanyahu of prioritising his own political survival over national unity and stated that his leadership is endangering the security of the country.
Netanyahu had used the address to call for a national unity government to face the Iranian nuclear threat. He questioned whether opposition leaders were prepared to rely on Arab-majority parties, describing a potential government supported by Ra’am and the Joint List as dangerous.
The 120-member Knesset was sworn in following the October 27 general election. The election resulted in a deadlock, with Netanyahu's Likud-led faction securing 53 seats and Eisenkot's Yashar alliance winning 48 seats. A majority requires at least 61 lawmakers.
President Isaac Herzog, who presided over the ceremony, urged lawmakers to seek compromise to avoid another election. He also called for a thorough investigation into the Hamas attacks of October 7, 2023.
Eisenkot has an initial 28 days to form a government, which can be extended by 14 days. If he fails, President Herzog may give Netanyahu another opportunity to form an administration.
