Netanyahu calls for unity government as Knesset opening erupts in protest
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At the swearing-in of Israel’s new Knesset, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pressed for a national unity government while opposition lawmakers responded with protests and walkouts, underscoring the deepening political and social rifts around his leadership.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appealed for a national unity government among Jewish Israelis during the swearing-in of Israel's new parliament on Tuesday, insisting that only a broad coalition could confront the crises he cited, including the threat from Iran and the growing number of Palestinian-citizen lawmakers.
Netanyahu warned that a narrow government would include "terror supporters" and "haters of Israel," language critics say was aimed at delegitimizing parties representing Palestinian citizens and hardening divisions inside the country.
The session turned unusually contentious, with former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett trading sharp barbs with Netanyahu and his wife Sara, while several Palestinian lawmakers left the chamber in protest at the charged atmosphere.
Gadi Eisenkot, tasked with forming the next government, cancelled scheduled talks with Netanyahu and declared him "unfit for office." Analysts note that if Eisenkot succeeds, Netanyahu could lose the premiership and face ongoing corruption proceedings without the protection of the office.
Political scientists cited in the article say Netanyahu has reshaped Israel's party system toward personality-driven politics, making Likud a populist party and encouraging voters to identify leaders rather than parties. They warn that this focus on individual leaders can intensify personal rivalries and reduce policy debate.
Pollster Dahlia Schneidlin highlighted that while Israeli elections are party-list based, campaigns have become increasingly personalized, requiring coalition leaders to demonstrate negotiation skills. Senior fellow Yossi Mekelberg warned that centralized party structures can enable leaders to act with limited constraints, contributing to a more polarized political climate.