Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is calling on Israel’s political parties to unite under a government of all Zionist factions, warning that a coalition dependent on parties he associates with militant Islam cannot effectively confront the country’s security threats. In a video statement, Netanyahu declared, “We must bring together all Zionist parties,” before emphasizing that Israel’s national security must take priority over political disagreements. “A government dependent on militant Islam cannot defeat militant Islam,” he said, arguing that the country cannot rely on political forces he believes are aligned with the threats Israel is fighting. His appeal comes amid intense coalition negotiations following Israel’s October 27 election, which left Netanyahu’s political bloc without the parliamentary majority needed to form a government independently. The prime minister’s remarks reinforce his push for a broad unity arrangement that would bring together Zionist parties while excluding reliance on Arab political factions whose support could determine the next government.

The political standoff follows President Isaac Herzog’s decision to give opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot the mandate to form Israel’s next government after 67 lawmakers recommended him during consultations. Netanyahu’s bloc secured 53 seats in the 120-member Knesset, while Eisenkot’s four-party opposition bloc won 48, with Arab parties holding another 19 seats and backing his bid to form a government. Netanyahu has argued that a coalition relying on those Arab factions would undermine Israel’s ability to confront Hamas, Iran and other regional security threats, although those accusations represent his political assessment and have been disputed by his opponents. Eisenkot, meanwhile, has called for a broad national emergency government and outlined conditions for potential coalition partners, including recognition of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state and a commitment to defeating Hamas. The negotiations are expected to test whether Israel’s rival political camps can reach an agreement despite deep disagreements over leadership, military service and the role of Arab parties in government. At the center of Netanyahu’s message is his demand that Israel’s security and national identity take precedence in determining the country’s next governing coalition.