Jerusalem: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called for a national unity government, citing the threat posed by Iran to Israel’s security.
Netanyahu described Iran’s regime as an existential threat. However, former military chief Gadi Eisenkot criticised his speech, calling the use of an official government event for political purposes “shameful”.
Eisenkot has also demanded an independent commission to investigate security failures preceding the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack. Netanyahu has opposed the proposal, favouring a political process to select the commission’s members.
Israel’s 120-member Knesset requires 61 votes to form a government. Efforts are under way to secure support from different political factions for a possible unity arrangement.
