At Sunday's cabinet meeting, PM Netanyahu reiterated his intention to form a broad national government after the upcoming elections, based on Jewish identity, arms independence, and opposition to a two-state solution, according to the Prime Minister's remarks. National Security Minister Ben Gvir responded that he hopes extensive unity efforts won't sideline right-wing elements, and argued only a right-wing government can advance Jewish identity, judicial reform, and settlement.
At Sunday's cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his call for a broad national unity government after the upcoming elections, framing the invitation around three principles: Israel as the nation-state of the Jewish people, independence in arms production and procurement, and opposition to a two-state solution. The remarks closely track the statement he made earlier at the same meeting, as The Zioneer reported at 12:03.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir responded directly, expressing concern that a broad unity coalition would sideline right-wing components of the current government bloc. He argued that only a full right-wing coalition could advance the Jewish identity agenda, judicial reform, and settlement in Judea and Samaria. Netanyahu replied that there were no boycotts, according to the cabinet discussion.
The exchange unfolded against a backdrop of growing coalition tensions: Ben Gvir had criticized Netanyahu's unity government vision over the weekend, and Likud MK Tally Gotliv warned earlier Sunday against bringing in partners who support a Palestinian state. The Prime Minister's renewed outreach appears aimed at voters and parties currently on the fence as the campaign cycle advances.
What remains unclear is which parties or figures Netanyahu considers viable partners for his broad government, and whether the three stated principles will be sufficient to attract centrist or left-leaning factions.
7 developments
- DevelopingBen Gvir slams PM Netanyahu's intention to form a broad government
- DevelopingGantz tells Netanyahu: if it's up to you, a government with Haredim and extremists will form
- DevelopingIsrael Hayom columnist: Netanyahu's call for broad government is a welcome shift
- DevelopingAmit Segal: Netanyahu's push for a broad government aims at fence-sitting voters
Source and signal
- Internal intake