Netanyahu calls for Israeli unity government, Eisenkot dismisses 'tricks'

Caretaker Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated his calls for a national unity government with Gadi Eisenkot. According to RTE News, Netanyahu stated in a video that forming such a government is essential to guarantee security and eliminate the threat posed by Iran. Netanyahu's proposed government would consist of key Jewish parties from the center and right, excluding Arab parties, and would include members of his Likud party.

Gadi Eisenkot, who has been tasked with forming a new government with the backing of 67 politicians, dismissed Netanyahu's appeal as a ruse, political ploy, or political spin. Al-Monitor and France 24 report that Eisenkot dismissed the appeal as Eisenkot is currently in the midst of negotiations to form a new administration. Ajel English reports that Eisenkot accused Netanyahu of attempting to obstruct the establishment of a new administration and fueling incitement while claiming to desire unity.

The Jerusalem Post reports that Eisenkot stated a meeting between the negotiating teams of Yashar and Likud has already been scheduled for Sunday. Eisenkot added that Netanyahu is aware of his defeat and that any participation in an emergency government under Eisenkot's leadership is conditional on accepting certain principles and parting ways with extremists.

Brief written by urgent.news from Al-Monitor, France 24, Ajel English, RTE News, Jerusalem Post — 5 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.