Netanyahu Calls for National Unity Government, Warns of Renewed Iranian Nuclear Threat

Jerusalem: Israeli caretaker Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has renewed his appeal for a national unity government, warning that Iran is rebuilding its nuclear programme and urging political leaders to join forces to address what he described as an existential threat to Israel.

In a prerecorded address on Saturday (local time), Netanyahu appealed to his political rival Gadi Eisenkot, who has been tasked with forming Israel's next government, to begin coalition negotiations without setting any preconditions.

"The Iranian regime, which seeks Israel's destruction, is once again working to revive its nuclear program," Netanyahu said. "We must remove this existential threat once and for all."

He argued that a broad-based national unity government would help safeguard Israel's security for years and create opportunities to expand regional peace agreements.

The appeal came after Netanyahu held a security briefing with Eisenkot on Thursday, amid ongoing political negotiations over the formation of a new government.

Netanyahu's right-wing coalition lost its parliamentary majority in the October election, paving the way for Eisenkot, a former military chief, to attempt to form an alternative government. President Isaac Herzog has given Eisenkot 28 days to complete the task, with the possibility of a 14-day extension. Netanyahu will continue as caretaker Prime Minister until a new government takes office.

Earlier this week, Netanyahu also called for national unity following the first session of Israel's newly elected parliament, warning that the country could soon face mounting international pressure to accept a nuclear-armed Iran and the continuation of its present regime.

"In the very near future, we're going to be confronted by international pressure to accept a nuclear-armed Iran and the preservation of this terror regime that seeks to annihilate us," he said.

However, his remarks triggered a sharp response from Eisenkot, who accused the caretaker Prime Minister of using an important state occasion to advance his political interests. Describing Netanyahu's speech as "shameful", the former Israel Defence Forces (IDF) chief questioned his suitability to remain in office.

The disagreement highlights the political divisions within Israel at a time when security concerns surrounding Iran remain central to the country's domestic and foreign policy debates.

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