Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has again called for a national unity government, saying he wants to continue leading even as opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot has been given the first chance to form an administration.
President Isaac Herzog formally tasked Eisenkot with forming a government on Sunday. Netanyahu posted a video message stating that a unity government is essential at this time, without directly acknowledging the presidential decision.
In last month's election, Eisenkot's opposition bloc secured 48 seats while Netanyahu's Likud-led bloc won 53. The president's choice followed consultations in which a majority of parties backed Eisenkot.
Netanyahu warned against including Arab parties, which won a record 19 seats, describing a government reliant on them as a security risk. He has long opposed their participation and accused them of supporting Hamas, charges the parties deny.
Differences remain within the opposition over the role of Arab parties. Right-wing figures have also resisted any arrangement involving them.
Both Netanyahu and Eisenkot have previously said any unity government must be led by themselves. Eisenkot has described Netanyahu as unfit and dangerous to lead, citing failures on 7 October 2023 and ongoing corruption cases.
