‘These tricks don’t work on me’: Eisenkot rejects Netanyahu’s 'unity govt' appeal

Israel's caretaker Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday renewed his call for a national unity government with political rival Gadi Eisenkot, who dismissed the appeal as a political “trick” and accused him of trying to sow division.The exchange comes as Eisenkot negotiates to form a government after being tasked with the job on Sunday. He has 28 days to form a coalition, with a possible 14-day extension.In a video statement, Netanyahu said a meeting with Eisenkot on Thursday had reinforced his belief that a unity government was necessary to protect Israel's security.Such an administration, he said, could "eliminate the Iranian threat once and for all", AFP reported.Netanyahu said the proposed government should comprise parties that recognise Israel "as a state for the Jewish people". He identified Iran as a key security concern, claiming it would "not hesitate to use nuclear weapons against us".He also warned against Eisenkot's proposal to establish a minority government under the banner of a "national emergency government".Under the plan, the 48 lawmakers in Eisenkot's bloc would back the government, while Netanyahu's 46 supporters would oppose it. The remaining 26 lawmakers from Arab and ultra-Orthodox parties could abstain, allowing the government to secure approval in the 120-member Knesset without an absolute majority."Instead of trying to form a weak and dangerous government...