Eisenkot rejects Netanyahu's appeal for national unity government
Gadi Eisenkot dismissed the proposal from caretaker Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a political trick while government formation negotiations continue.
Israel's caretaker Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday called for a national unity government with political rival Gadi Eisenkot, an appeal that Eisenkot rejected. According to the Times of India, Eisenkot dismissed the suggestion as a tactical ruse and accused Netanyahu of attempting to create division.
Netanyahu stated in a video that a meeting with Eisenkot on Thursday reinforced his belief that a unity government is required to protect national security. He claimed such an administration could eliminate the threat from Iran, which he said would not hesitate to use nuclear weapons. Netanyahu proposed a government consisting of parties that recognise Israel as a state for the Jewish people.
Eisenkot, a former army chief, responded by saying Netanyahu is calling for negotiations even though they are already in progress. He stated that Netanyahu knows he lost the election and added that these tricks do not work on him.
The two leaders disagree on the structure of the new administration. Eisenkot has proposed a minority 'national emergency government' where his 48 lawmakers would support the government, while Netanyahu's 46 supporters oppose it, and 26 members from Arab and ultra-Orthodox parties abstain. Netanyahu warned against this, calling it a weak and dangerous plan.
Eisenkot has indicated he might work with members of the Likud party and Religious Zionism if their commitment to unity is sincere. However, he has demanded a break with extremists, specifically supporters of Itamar Ben Gvir, as a condition for participation.
Eisenkot was tasked on Sunday to form a government within 28 days, with a possible 14-day extension. The sides also remain at odds over the election of the Knesset speaker, scheduled for Tuesday.