{
  "id": 20205222,
  "title": "Netanyahu opens talks with rivals in bid to cling to power",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/15/netanyahu-opens-talks-with-rivals-in-bid-to-cling-to-power-20205222",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-15T17:29:05.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National UAE",
    "slug": "the-national-uae",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/2026/11/15/netanyahu-opens-talks-with-rivals-in-bid-to-cling-to-power/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's party initiated discussions with its main opposition groups on Sunday in an effort to form a unity government and maintain his position of power following the recent election. Likud party members engaged with supporters of former army general Gadi Eisenkot on Sunday. Both sides emphasized that the talks were conducted in a professional manner and that dialogue between the parties would persist. Eisenkot was granted the initial opportunity to form a government by President Isaac Herzog, but neither his nor Netanyahu's factions secured a clear path to a majority in the 120-member Knesset. The focus now lies on whether Eisenkot can incorporate Israel's Arab parties without offending his own faction, and whether Netanyahu can capitalize on concerns over Iran to prolong his rule.\n\nNetanyahu's Likud party representatives met with Eisenkot's supporters on Sunday, stating that the negotiations took place in a businesslike atmosphere and that communication between the parties would continue. Eisenkot was given the first opportunity to form a government by President Isaac Herzog, but neither his or Netanyahu's blocs managed to secure a majority in the 120-member Knesset. The primary concern now is how Eisenkot can incorporate Israel's Arab parties without alienating his own bloc, and whether Netanyahu can exploit Iran-related fears to extend his tenure.\n\nOn Saturday, Netanyahu called for a national unity government that could confront Iran's threat, urging all parties to set aside disagreements and reach agreements for Israel's security and future. Eisenkot remains skeptical of Netanyahu's claims, stating that the latter is no longer the prime minister, but acknowledged that Likud could join a government under Eisenkot's leadership. Despite having more seats than the former army chief's Yesh Atid party, the Eisenkot camp is larger when allied parties are included. The pro-Eisenkot parties would achieve a majority if the Arab parties, which secured a record 19 seats, agree to back them, although a deal would be highly sensitive in Israel, with former defense minister Avigdor Lieberman refusing to support it.\n\nEisenkot has urged Netanyahu not to initiate military action against Iran unless there is an immediate threat to Israel. Following a dispute over access to security briefings, the two men met to discuss the military situation last week. Some media reports suggest that a rotation arrangement, with Netanyahu and Eisenkot sharing a four-year term, has been discussed. This concept has precedent, including a 2021 agreement between Netanyahu's rivals Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid, which lasted only 18 months before Netanyahu regained power.",
  "summary": "Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu 's party opened talks with its main rivals on Sunday as he pushes for a \"unity government\" to keep him in power after last month's election. Members of Mr Netanyahu's Likud party met supporters of former army general Gadi Eisenkot on Sunday. In a brief joint statement they said the talks took place in a \"businesslike atmosphere\" and that dialogue between…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Jerusalem Post",
        "title": "Political theater or not, Netanyahu and Eisenkot both need unity talks to look real - analysis",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/15/political-theater-or-not-netanyahu-and-eisenkot-both-need-unity-talks",
        "published": "2026-11-15T19:32:51.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}