Netanyahu Leaves Door Open to Rotation in Potential Unity Government Talks
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has privately signaled openness to a rotational government in potential unity talks, while Likud lawmakers push back. Opposition figures are rallying behind Gadi Eisenkot to secure the mandate ahead of Knesset consultations.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has indicated in closed-door discussions that he does not rule out the possibility of a rotational government in the event of forming a unity coalition. When asked whether he would dismiss a rotation agreement, Netanyahu stated that all options are being examined and no path is completely off the table. Sources close to the prime minister noted that he has left the matter open as political maneuvers intensify ahead of the 26th Knesset.
Despite these private remarks, senior figures and lawmakers within Likud have publicly projected a different stance, asserting that Netanyahu would refuse a part-term premiership. Coalition Whip Ofir Katz went further, issuing an ultimatum that a unity government would be impossible if the opposition bloc attempts to remove Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana. Netanyahu reportedly fears a scenario where an alternative bloc forms a stable government backed by Haredi and Arab factions, which could potentially last a full parliamentary term.
Meanwhile, the anti-Netanyahu bloc is pursuing parallel tracks: seizing control of key parliamentary centers and establishing a narrow government headed by Yashar! leader Gadi Eisenkot. Former prime minister Naftali Bennett's BeYachad party announced it will recommend Eisenkot to President Isaac Herzog for the mandate, while United Torah Judaism weighs its legislative leverage, including a potential abstention on the vote to replace the Knesset speaker.
