Summary
Israeli caretaker Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called for a national unity government with rival Gadi Eisenkot, arguing it could protect Israel and address the Iranian threat. Eisenkot rejected the appeal as a political tactic and is trying to form a government after neither side won a majority in the October 27 election.Key Facts
- Netanyahu said a Thursday meeting with Eisenkot strengthened his call for a unity government.
- Eisenkot said Netanyahu had lost the election and dismissed his call for talks.
- Netanyahu’s right-wing and religious bloc won 53 seats in the 120-seat Knesset; Eisenkot’s four-party bloc won 48, and Arab-led parties won 19.
- President Isaac Herzog tasked Eisenkot with forming a government after 67 lawmakers endorsed him, compared with 46 for Netanyahu.
- Eisenkot has 28 days to form a government, with a possible 14-day extension.
- Eisenkot has ruled out including Arab-led parties in his government and proposed a minority government that could pass if some lawmakers abstain.
- Netanyahu said a government formed under Eisenkot’s plan would lead to Israel’s collapse.
- The Knesset is scheduled to elect its speaker on Tuesday; the opposition nominated Matan Kahana to replace Netanyahu ally Amir Ohana.
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