Jerusalem, Nov 2026 : Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has renewed his appeal for a national unity government, warning that Iran is rebuilding its nuclear programme and urging political leaders to unite to eliminate what he described as an existential threat to Israel.
In a prerecorded address delivered on Saturday (local time), Netanyahu called on his political rival, Gadi Eisenkot, to begin coalition negotiations without preconditions. Eisenkot, a former Israel Defence Forces (IDF) chief, has been tasked with forming the country's next government following the recent parliamentary election.
"The Iranian regime, which seeks Israel's destruction, is once again working to revive its nuclear programme. We must remove this existential threat once and for all," Netanyahu said.
He argued that a broad-based national unity government would strengthen Israel's security for years and create opportunities to expand regional peace agreements. His appeal came after a security briefing he held with Eisenkot on Thursday.
Netanyahu's right-wing coalition lost its parliamentary majority in the October election, triggering a political transition. President Isaac Herzog has given Eisenkot 28 days to form a government, with the possibility of a 14-day extension. Netanyahu will continue as caretaker prime minister until a new administration takes office.
Earlier this week, Netanyahu had also called for a unity government following the first session of Israel's newly elected parliament. He warned that the country could soon face mounting international pressure to accept a nuclear-armed Iran and the continuation of its current leadership, which he accused of seeking Israel's destruction.
"In the very near future, we're going to be confronted by international pressure to accept a nuclear-armed Iran and the preservation of this terror regime that seeks to annihilate us," Netanyahu said.
However, his remarks triggered a sharp response from Eisenkot, who accused the caretaker prime minister of using an important state occasion to advance his political interests.
Describing Netanyahu's speech as "shameful", Eisenkot questioned whether he was suitable to continue holding the office of prime minister.
The exchange highlights the political divisions within Israel at a time when the country's leadership faces the twin challenges of forming a stable government and addressing security concerns surrounding Iran's nuclear ambitions.
With coalition negotiations expected to shape Israel's political future, Netanyahu's renewed unity appeal and Eisenkot's criticism underline the difficulties facing efforts to build a broad-based administration.
