Israel’s caretaker Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has renewed his call for a unity government. However, political rival Gadi Eisenkot has rejected the proposal as a political tactic.

The exchange comes as Eisenkot negotiates to form a new government. He received the mandate to become prime minister on Sunday.

In a video statement on Saturday, Netanyahu discussed his Thursday meeting with Eisenkot. He said the meeting strengthened his support for a national unity government.

Netanyahu argued that such a government would protect Israel’s security. He also said it could “eliminate the Iranian threat once and for all.”

The caretaker prime minister said coalition partners must recognise Israel “as a state for the Jewish people.” He also identified Iran as a major security concern.

Netanyahu claimed Iran would not hesitate to use nuclear weapons against Israel.

Netanyahu criticises proposed minority government

Netanyahu also criticised Eisenkot’s plan to form a minority government. Eisenkot has presented the proposal as a “national emergency government.”

Under the proposed arrangement, 48 lawmakers would support Eisenkot’s government. Meanwhile, 46 lawmakers backing Netanyahu would oppose it.

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The remaining 26 members of the 120-seat Knesset could abstain. They represent Arab and ultra-Orthodox parties.

Such abstentions could allow the government to secure approval without an absolute majority.

Netanyahu urged Eisenkot to abandon the proposed arrangement. He called for broader negotiations instead.

“Instead of trying to form a weak and dangerous government… let’s meet in one room, without preconditions, put aside all our disagreements and all the boycotts, and reach agreements for the security and the future of the state,” he said.

Eisenkot rejects Netanyahu’s offer

Eisenkot responded minutes after Netanyahu released his statement. He accused the caretaker prime minister of political manoeuvring.

The former army chief said Netanyahu knew he had lost the election. He also questioned the timing of the unity proposal.

“Netanyahu is calling for negotiations while they are already underway; he claims to want unity but… sows division and stokes tensions as if there were no tomorrow,” Eisenkot said.

He added that Netanyahu’s political tactics would not succeed.

“These tricks don’t work on me,” Eisenkot said.

The exchange reflects continuing divisions over Israel’s next government. Meanwhile, negotiations over the proposed coalition remain underway.