Israel: Netanyahu Open to a Broad National Unity Government Under His Leadership

09:10

Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed his willingness to form a broad national unity government following Israel’s 2026 legislative elections, signalling openness to negotiations with additional political parties while maintaining his commitment to existing right-wing coalition partners.

The Israeli Prime Minister made the appeal on Monday evening, arguing that the Likud party had emerged as the leading political force among Jewish voters and that he had received a mandate to lead the next government.

Netanyahu said he was prepared to engage in discussions with parties interested in joining an expanded coalition, provided they met his political conditions, particularly regarding their positions on Israel's security and national identity.

Coalition Arithmetic Complicates Netanyahu’s Plans

Despite Likud's electoral position, Netanyahu's political bloc faces a significant challenge in securing the parliamentary majority required to govern. With 53 seats in the 120-member Knesset, the coalition camp remains short of the 61 seats needed to establish a government.

This situation has strengthened the position of opposition figure Gadi Eisenkot, whose political camp is expected to receive an initial opportunity from President Isaac Herzog to explore the formation of a parliamentary majority.

The competing political initiatives have opened a new phase of negotiations, with potential alliances likely to shape the country's political direction in the coming months.

Existing Right-Wing Partners Remain Central

While advocating a broader political arrangement, Netanyahu has made clear that he does not intend to abandon his existing coalition partners, particularly Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich.

His proposed government would therefore seek to combine established right-wing allies with additional political forces willing to join under agreed conditions.

However, Netanyahu has ruled out relying on Arab political parties to secure a parliamentary majority. He has specifically criticised Ra'am and the Joint Arab List, accusing them of positions he considers incompatible with his government's political requirements. These allegations form part of the wider dispute over the role of Arab parties in Israel's parliamentary system.

Eisenkot Sets Conditions for a Possible Coalition

Gadi Eisenkot has also outlined the principles that prospective coalition partners would be expected to accept.

His proposed framework includes recognition of Israel as a Jewish, democratic, liberal and egalitarian state, adherence to the values of the country's Declaration of Independence, and mandatory military, national or civilian service for all citizens.

He has also called for recognition of Hamas as a terrorist organisation and support for dismantling its military capabilities and governing authority in Gaza.

Eisenkot maintains that parties prepared to endorse these principles could become potential partners in establishing a new government.

Herzog's Consultations to Determine the Next Step

The next decisive stage will begin with consultations between President Isaac Herzog and representatives of the elected political parties, scheduled to start on Wednesday.

These discussions will help determine which member of the Knesset receives the mandate to attempt to assemble a governing coalition.

With neither political camp having secured an outright parliamentary majority, negotiations and possible alliances are expected to play a decisive role in determining Israel's next government.

Netanyahu's call for national unity therefore comes at a politically sensitive moment, as he seeks to preserve his leadership while navigating competing coalition ambitions and the challenges of securing sufficient parliamentary support.