Netanyahu seeks unity government despite being denied mandate

· Politics · Israel

Israeli opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot has been asked to form a government and has a number of options to reach the 61-seat threshold in the 120-member parliament. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, meanwhile, is again seeking a unity government despite being denied the mandate, warning Israelis in a video against the threat he described as including Arab-Israelis in a future government. Analysts question whether Eisenkot can succeed in what one called the "minefield of Israeli politics" where other generals have failed.

Why it matters：Who forms Israel's next government will shape policy on Gaza, Iran and the country's democratic direction.

Key points

  • Eisenkot needs 61 seats in the 120-member Knesset.
  • Netanyahu has been denied the mandate to form a government.
  • He warned against including Arab-Israelis in a future coalition.

Sources (original reporting)

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