Opposition Leaders Reject Gantz's Proposal for Temporary Unity Government

Benny Gantz, leader of the National Unity party, has proposed forming a temporary unity government with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to focus on securing the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza and advancing legislation on the military draft of ultra-Orthodox Israelis. Gantz suggested a six-month mandate for this coalition, after which elections would be held.

In response, Avigdor Liberman, head of the Yisrael Beytenu party, dismissed the proposal, stating that his party calls for the immediate return of all hostages without conditions and will only participate in a broad Zionist government, not in what he termed a 'spin.'

Yair Lapid, leader of the Yesh Atid party, also rejected Gantz's call, expressing his unwillingness to serve under Netanyahu. Lapid emphasized that he does not understand why Gantz wants to join forces with Netanyahu and stated that he will not sit in a government under Netanyahu, whom he considers unworthy of being prime minister.

Gantz's proposal comes amid ongoing efforts to negotiate the release of hostages and address military draft reforms. However, the lack of support from key opposition leaders suggests challenges in forming such a unity government.