Netanyahu calls for unity government ahead of mandate assignment

On November 7, 2026, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a strong appeal for the formation of a national unity government to address the country's political deadlock. Netanyahu explicitly stated that a governing coalition relying on Arab parties, which he characterizes as supporters of terrorism and Hamas, would pose a severe threat to the stability of the state. He argued that a government dependent on such factions would be incapable of effectively fighting against Hamas.

Netanyahu proposed that this unity government should include his current political allies, specifically members of the Likud party, the far-right Religious Zionism and Otzma Yehudit parties, and ultra-Orthodox factions. While advocating for this coalition, he did not clarify who should hold the leadership position within such an arrangement. These remarks were made just one day before Israeli President Isaac Herzog is scheduled to officially assign the mandate for forming a new government.

The rhetoric reflects deep-seated political tensions regarding the inclusion of Arab representatives in Israeli power structures. The current maneuvering occurs at a critical juncture as the nation prepares for the next phase of its executive government formation process.