Netanyahu Calls for National Unity Government as Gadi Eisenkot Brands His Speech ‘Delusional’

Jerusalem, November 11, 2026 (Yes Punjab News) 

Israel’s caretaker Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called for a national unity government, warning that the country faces mounting international pressure over Iran, but his appeal has triggered a sharp political backlash from former Israel Defence Forces (IDF) Chief Gadi Eisenkot.

Speaking after the first session of Israel’s newly elected parliament, Netanyahu said the country needed to remain united in the face of what he described as an existential threat from Iran.

“In the very near future, we’re going to be confronted by international pressure to accept a nuclear-armed Iran and the preservation of this terror regime that seeks to annihilate us,” Netanyahu said.

His remarks drew an angry response from Eisenkot, who accused the outgoing Prime Minister of exploiting an important state occasion to advance his political interests.

“I sat and listened to the outgoing prime minister’s delusional, divisive, hate-filled and shameful speech, exploiting a state occasion,” Eisenkot said, questioning Netanyahu’s suitability to remain in office.

The exchange has further sharpened the political confrontation as rival leaders attempt to secure the support needed to form Israel’s next government.

Neither Netanyahu nor Eisenkot currently commands the backing of the 61 lawmakers required for a majority in the 120-member Knesset, leaving the formation of the next government uncertain.

Eisenkot’s Yashar party has already begun pressing for changes within parliament, including the establishment of an independent commission of inquiry into the security and intelligence failures preceding Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel.

Netanyahu has opposed an independent inquiry, denying allegations of wrongdoing and advocating instead for a commission whose members would be selected through political channels.

The dispute over the proposed investigation has emerged as another major point of contention between the political camps.

With neither leader having secured the numbers needed to form a government, negotiations among parliamentary blocs are expected to remain focused on building a viable majority. Netanyahu’s call for national unity has yet to translate into an agreement on the composition or leadership of the next government.