---
title: "Benjamin Netanyahu Calls for National Unity Government Amid Election Uncertainty"
url: https://newscentral.site/benjamin-netanyahu-calls-for-national-unity-government-amid-election/
language: en
publisher: "News Central Site"
section: "World"
published: 2026-11-14T20:35:22.000Z
updated: 2026-11-15T06:52:47.709Z
id: 8c0a06eb-309a-4e31-8c6c-35f373ec69c8
source: "France 24 English https://www.france24.com/en/middle-east/20261114-netanyahu-renews-call-for-israeli-government-unity-as-eisenkot-dismisses-tricks"
attribution: "Link to https://newscentral.site/benjamin-netanyahu-calls-for-national-unity-government-amid-election/ and name News Central Site when you quote or summarize this story."
---

# Benjamin Netanyahu Calls for National Unity Government Amid Election Uncertainty

Israeli caretaker Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called for a national unity government, citing security concerns and the threat posed by Iran.

Israeli caretaker Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is once again calling for a national unity government, this time targeting his opponent Gadi Eisenkot.

The appeal comes at a critical moment in Israeli politics as Eisenkot begins negotiations to form a new administration after being tapped for the post of premier on Sunday. A key component of Netanyahu's plan involves parties that recognize Israel as a state for the Jewish people, he emphasized in a video statement.

A meeting with Eisenkot on Thursday "only strengthened the conviction" that forming such a government is essential, according to Netanyahu. He said it would be crucial for addressing security challenges, particularly the threat posed by Iran.

Netanyahu claimed that if formed, this national unity government could eliminate the Iranian threat once and for all. The outgoing prime minister expressed his concerns about Eisenkot's plan to form a minority government, which he described as a "national emergency government".

Eisenkot has dismissed Netanyahu's call for unity as a political ploy, however, and is now working towards forming a new administration.

The negotiations for forming a new Israeli government are expected to be challenging, given the significant differences in views and policies between various factions.

Netanyahu's proposal of a unity government would likely exclude Arab-Israeli parties, which made history by securing a record number of seats in the recent election. This move has sparked concerns about the future representation of these communities in the Israeli parliament. With 48 lawmakers from Eisenkot's bloc on one side and 46 Netanyahu supporters on the other, the balance of power is precarious.

The outcome of the negotiations will be critical, with the fate of the government hanging in the balance. Eisenkot has been tasked with forming a new administration within 28 days, but an extension of up to 14 days may be possible if needed.

Netanyahu's call for unity has been met with skepticism by Eisenkot, who views it as a political ploy rather than a genuine attempt at cooperation. The former army chief is working towards building a new government that reflects the will of the people, rather than succumbing to pressure from Netanyahu's camp.

The road ahead is fraught with obstacles, particularly given Netanyahu's efforts to discredit Arab-Israeli parties and undermine their influence in the parliament. With so much at stake, it remains to be seen whether Eisenkot can navigate these treacherous waters and emerge with a viable government.

The Israeli government's unity is still a distant goal as tensions between Netanyahu's Likud party and outgoing Defense Minister Gadi Eisenkot continue to rise.

Eisenkot has shown willingness to form a coalition with members of Netanyahu's party and the Religious Zionism party led by Bezalel Smotrich, but only if their commitment to unity is genuine. This gesture of goodwill comes as Eisenkot distances himself from Netanyahu's divisive campaign against Arab parties, labeling it "racist" on Friday.

Eisenkot has emphasized that a break with extremist elements, particularly those supporting far-right minister Itamar Ben Gvir, is essential for any participation in a government under his leadership. This stance highlights the deep-seated differences between Eisenkot and Netanyahu's Likud party.

The election of the Knesset speaker on Tuesday will be another crucial test of unity, as opposition candidate Matan Kahana faces off against incumbent Amir Ohana, a close ally of Netanyahu's.

---
Source: [France 24 English](https://www.france24.com/en/middle-east/20261114-netanyahu-renews-call-for-israeli-government-unity-as-eisenkot-dismisses-tricks)  
Published by News Central Site: https://newscentral.site/benjamin-netanyahu-calls-for-national-unity-government-amid-election/