‘These tricks don’t work on me’: Eisenkot rejects Netanyahu’s 'unity govt' appeal
Israeli caretaker Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has renewed his call for a national unity government, citing national security concerns regarding Iran. Opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot rejected the proposal, labeling it a political trick and demanding a break with far-right extremists as a condition for any future cooperation.
Why it matters
The ongoing political deadlock in Israel highlights deep ideological fractures within the Knesset, complicating the formation of a stable government and impacting regional security policy.
Israel's caretaker Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday renewed his call for a national unity government with political rival Gadi Eisenkot, who dismissed the appeal as a political “trick” and accused him of trying to sow division.The exchange comes as Eisenkot negotiates to form a government after being tasked with the job on Sunday. He has 28 days to form a coalition, with a possible 14-day extension.In a video statement, Netanyahu said a meeting with Eisenkot on Thursday had reinforced his belief that a unity government was necessary to protect Israel's security.Such an administration, he said, could "eliminate the Iranian threat once and for all", AFP reported.Netanyahu said the proposed government should comprise parties that recognise Israel "as a state for the Jewish people".
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