In a remarkable display of unity amid a challenging situation, prominent Israeli leaders have engaged in discussions regarding the formation of a national unity government aimed at addressing the complex aftermath of the unprecedented attack by Hamas militants, which has resulted in the loss of at least 300 Israeli lives.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, along with opposition leaders Yair Lapid and Benny Gantz, held discussions on Saturday concerning the potential establishment of an emergency national unity government. The motivation behind this consideration is the critical emergency situation that has arisen as a result of Saturday's infiltration and rocket attacks originating from Gaza, as reported by Ha'aretz newspaper.
During these discussions, both opposition leaders expressed their willingness to participate, but Yair Lapid insisted on the removal of far-right leaders and ministers, Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir. In response, Benny Gantz agreed to join the initiative alongside these two opposition leaders, according to the report.
Reportedly, Prime Minister Netanyahu offered the proposal for the creation of a broad-based emergency government during a security briefing with the two leaders. He referenced a historical example from 1967 when Likud leader Menachem Begin joined then-Prime Minister Levi Eshkol's government on the eve of the Six-Day War.
However, opposition leader Yair Lapid countered Netanyahu's claims, asserting that he was the one who had initially presented the option of forming a government following a briefing with the Prime Minister. Lapid previously served as Prime Minister before Netanyahu returned to power in December of last year.
Former Defense Minister Benny Gantz indicated his positive consideration of participating in a government-centered around the security situation. Notably, Gantz has previously served as the Chief of the Israel Defence Forces (IDF).
Lapid reportedly stated that he informed Prime Minister Netanyahu that "during this emergency, I am willing to set aside all disagreements and form a professional, limited emergency government to manage the difficult, complex, and protracted campaign we are facing." He emphasized that such a government would send a powerful message to Israel's adversaries, demonstrating that an overwhelming majority of Israeli citizens stand in solidarity with the IDF and the nation's defense institutions.
Meanwhile, Gantz's party, National Unity, expressed its willingness to join an emergency government without any preconditions, even if it includes the participation of Ben-Gvir and Smotrich in the roles of National Security and Finance Minister, respectively.
A source purporting to be a high-ranking party official conveyed that the National Unity party's objective is to wield substantial influence in order to make informed security decisions. The source underscored the party's commitment to remaining in the government to see the conflict through and prevent any division within the government, recognizing that such a division would only benefit Hamas. Ultimately, the goal is to emerge victorious in the war before considering the government's future course of action.
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