Jerusalem: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has urged former IDF chief Gadi Eisenkot to join efforts to form a national unity government, arguing that a broad political alliance is essential to address Israel’s security challenges and counter Iran’s alleged attempts to revive its nuclear programme.
In a statement following their meeting on Thursday, Netanyahu said discussions with Eisenkot had reinforced his belief that Israel needed a government bringing together all parties that support the country’s existence as the state of the Jewish people.
Netanyahu alleged that Iran was working to resume uranium enrichment and accelerate nuclear weapons development. He warned that the Iranian regime could use nuclear weapons against Israel if it succeeded in reviving its programme. He called for continued efforts to prevent Tehran from acquiring such capabilities, citing Israeli operations ‘Am Kelavi’ and ‘Shaagat Ha’ari’.
Arguing that a narrow government would be unable to meet the country’s security challenges, Netanyahu said a national unity administration could strengthen Israel’s security and promote political reconciliation.
He urged Eisenkot to enter talks without preconditions, set aside political differences and work towards agreements on national security and the country’s future. Netanyahu also said the military conscription issue could be resolved through discussions with representatives of the Haredi community.
Describing the proposed alliance as a “government of hope”, Netanyahu said it would respond to public demands for national reconciliation.
