Netanyahu calls for unity government as opposition leader set to form coalition
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called for a national unity government, warning that an opposition coalition supported by Arab parties could threaten Israel's security and national identity.
In a video address on Saturday, Netanyahu accused potential coalition partners of supporting Hamas and warned that their involvement could weaken Israel's ability to confront regional threats, including Iran.
“A government that depends on Hamas supporters will not fight Hamas,” Netanyahu declared, arguing that such an alliance would undermine Israel's future as a Jewish state.
He also warned of widespread unrest if the proposed coalition took office, predicting demonstrations more severe than those witnessed in European cities.
Netanyahu insisted that a broad unity government was the only viable solution to Israel's political deadlock following the October 27 parliamentary elections.
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Neither Netanyahu's bloc nor opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot's secured the 61 seats required for a majority in the 120-member Knesset.
However, during consultations with President Isaac Herzog, 67 lawmakers recommended Eisenkot to form the next government, compared with 46 who backed Netanyahu.
Herzog announced that Eisenkot would formally receive the mandate on Sunday, November 8.
The former military chief will have 28 days to form a coalition, with the possibility of a 14-day extension if negotiations remain unresolved.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
