Amid Benjamin Netanyahu's calls for unity government, Gadi Eisenkot says ‘these tricks don't work’
Benjamin Netanyahu has renewed his call for a national unity government with Gadi Eisenkot, but the rival politician accused him of playing political tricks.
Jerusalem - Israel's caretaker Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged for a national unity government with his rival Gadi Eisenkot on Saturday, but Eisenkot rejected the appeal, labeling it a political trick. The proposal for a unity government emerged as Eisenkot was finalizing negotiations to assume the role of premier on Sunday.
Netanyahu, in a video statement, emphasized the necessity of a national unity government to ensure Israel's security and eliminate the Iranian threat, asserting that such a government would comprise parties that acknowledge Israel as a state for the Jewish people and address security concerns, particularly Iran's potential nuclear weapon use.
He cautioned against Eisenkot's plan to form a minority government, arguing that it would only result in a weak and dangerous administration. Eisenkot responded, accusing Netanyahu of playing tricks by demanding a unity government while negotiations were already in progress and alleging that the former prime minister sows division and tensions.
The opposition has nominated Matan Kahana, an ex-Israeli army officer and fifth on Eisenkot's list, to become the speaker of the Knesset, potentially disrupting Netanyahu's unity government plans.
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