Netanyahu urges national unity government amid contentious Knesset opening
During the swearing-in of Israel's new Knesset, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called for a national unity government, while opposition members reacted with protests and walkouts.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appealed for a national unity government among Jewish Israelis during the swearing-in of Israel's new parliament on Tuesday, saying only a broad coalition could address the challenges he described, 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," referring to parties representing Palestinian citizens.
The session turned unusually contentious, with former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett exchanging barbs with Netanyahu and his wife Sara, and several Palestinian lawmakers leaving the chamber in protest.
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.