Mansour Abbas fears for his life; Netanyahu calls for a unity government

In depth

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu again called for the formation of a national unity government and said it was possible. In a speech delivered in the Knesset, Netanyahu said, "This nation knows how to unite in moments of trial," and added: "This is the call of the hour. I will continue to extend a hand until a heart meets a heart and a hand meets a hand." He hinted at major challenges and opportunities approaching and noted that "I cannot tell here everything I know."

Ra'am leader Mansour Abbas said in an interview with Reshet Bet that Netanyahu's speech against the Arab parties harmed his personal security. "Benjamin Netanyahu used a state occasion to incite against the Arab public and its representatives," Abbas said. According to him, "There is no doubt that after this speech my personal security was harmed, and the security of my family as well." Abbas added that Netanyahu told him that he and Sinwar "understand each other," and that an associate of Netanyahu, Natan Eshel, recently approached him on behalf of the prime minister to clarify his positions. Abbas did not deny when asked whether he has recordings of the conversations.

Members of the Change Bloc supported the position of Gadi Eisenkot and attacked the speech as sharp and vitriolic. MK Barak Sari said Netanyahu is "so emotional, really to cry," and hinted that he seeks to remain in power. Mansour Abbas said the Eisenkot bloc passed the first tests in the committees, and at the first committee discussion MKs called each other "arms dealer" and "chicken," and MK Gottlieb was removed from the discussion.