Netanyahu calls for unity government as opponents jeer

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called on Tuesday (November 10), for the immediate formation of a broad national unity government as a solution for ‘external threats’.

Speaking at the festive toast after the inauguration ceremony of the 26th Knesset in Jerusalem, Netanyahu argued that persistent regional threats, primarily from Iran, require Israeli factions to set aside partisan divisions to form a stable coalition.

The address quickly turned contentious when Netanyahu demanded an investigation into alleged foreign funding and interference in the recent elections, calling on the Attorney General to remove existing investigative restrictions.

The remarks prompted sharp interruptions from political rival Naftali Bennett, who shouted from the audience: “What about the investigation into October 7?”

“Absolutely, absolutely,” Netanyahu replied from the podium, before Far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir joined the fray, shouting down Bennett over his previous coalition partnerships with Arab lawmakers: “You sit with Mansour Abbas and you want an investigation? Mansour Abbas is your friend.”

The session grew more polarized as Netanyahu declared that any future government must not rely on the support of Arab parties, including Ra’am faction and the Joint List.

Bennett again interrupted the prime minister, shouting: “What about your Qatari advisers? What about advisers who received salaries from Qatar during the war? Are they okay?”

As the shouting continued across the plenum floor, Ben-Gvir yelled, “Shame on you, sitting with the Joint List,” while opposition lawmaker Gilad Kariv was escorted out of the hall by parliamentary security officers following repeated heckling.

Netanyahu concluded his remarks by urging lawmakers across the political spectrum including potential premier candidate Gadi Eisenkot, who looked on from the front row, to join forces.

If Eisenkot fails to form a government, Herzog would likely ask Netanyahu to try to build a coalition. If he also fails, another candidate would get a chance before Israel would be forced into another election.

(Editing and Writing: Andreea Popescu)