Dedi Simhi Urges Broad Unity Government Following 2026 Elections

Brig. Gen. (ret.) Dedi Simhi, whose son Staff Sgt. Guy Simhi was killed in action, called on party leaders on Wednesday to set aside their differences and establish a broad unity government following the 2026 Knesset elections.

Speaking to 103fm radio, Simhi welcomed the high voter turnout across the country, noting that the public demonstrated a strong commitment to democracy. More than half of the true election results have already been published. "I am pleased with the voter turnout and that the people truly understood the importance of these elections," Simhi said.

Simhi admitted that his previous efforts to lead a political bloc promoting unity did not succeed, but emphasized that political reality now demands cooperation. "We cannot drive this nation crazy with another round of elections," he warned, dismissing ongoing disputes over the premiership as the core obstacle. Rejecting claims that policy disagreements prevent parties from joining a government led by Benjamin Netanyahu, he stated, "That is a lie and a fabrication. The only real issue was whether it is Netanyahu or not Netanyahu."

Addressing contentious issues such as ultra-Orthodox conscription and a state commission of inquiry, Simhi argued that solutions would remain the same regardless of political composition. He suggested creative measures to bridge the deep mistrust between rival camps, including involving US President Donald Trump as a guarantor for a rotation agreement. Concluding his remarks, Simhi reminded citizens of external regional threats: "It is true that some of us hate parts of our own people, but there are those who hate us much more."