Eisenkot rejects Netanyahu unity call as political bluff

Netanyahu urges joint security pact

Benjamin Netanyahu stated in a video statement that a unified government is essential to guarantee Israel's security and eliminate the Iranian threat. He argued such an administration would include parties recognizing Israel as a state for the Jewish people. The outgoing premier warned against Eisenkot's plan to form a minority government with only forty-eight lawmakers from his bloc supporting it. Netanyahu urged all members to meet without preconditions to reach agreements for the future of the state.

Eisenkot accuses rival of delay tactics

In reply, Gadi Eisenkot stated that Netanyahu realizes he has lost the election yet continues to use deceptive tactics even though talks have begun. The new prime ministerial hopeful accused the former leader of sowing division and stoking tensions as if there were no tomorrow. Eisenkot noted that a meeting between Likud and Yesh Atid teams was scheduled for Monday before this latest appeal appeared. He described the situation as a delaying action intended to make forming a new government difficult.