Netanyahu urges unity government as Eisenkot calls appeal a ruse

Israel's caretaker prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Saturday that forming a national unity government is essential for the country's security, after meeting with his rival Gadi Eisenkot. Netanyahu argued that a coalition of parties recognizing Israel as a Jewish state could "eliminate the Iranian threat once and for all" and urged all sides to set aside disagreements and boycotts.

Eisenkot, who was appointed to form a new government on Sunday, responded that Netanyahu "knows he lost the election" and accused him of using "tricks" to sow division. He warned that calls for unity were being made while negotiations were already under way.

The incoming premier is expected to negotiate a minority government that could be approved with the support of his 48-member bloc and abstentions from Arab and ultra-Orthodox lawmakers, allowing it to pass without an absolute Knesset majority. Eisenkot indicated willingness to include Likud members and the Religious Zionism party if they demonstrate sincere commitment to unity, but said a coalition with Netanyahu himself appears unlikely.

Eisenkot also called for a break with extremist elements, particularly supporters of far-right minister Itamar Ben Gvir, as a condition for any government participation. He urged Likud and its allies to allow the democratic process to proceed normally and to support the appointment of Matan Kahana as speaker of the Knesset.

"Netanyahu is calling for negotiations while they are already underway; he claims to want unity but... sows division and stokes tensions as if there were no tomorrow," Eisenkot said.

"Instead of trying to form a weak and dangerous government... let's meet in one room, without preconditions, put aside all our disagreements and all the boycotts, and reach agreements for the security and the future of the state," Netanyahu added.