Netanyahu's unity gov't call must become action, PM needs to begin laying foundations - editorial

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's declaration to form a broad national government following the October election aligns with the long-standing argument that Israel needs a wide Zionist consensus to address its pressing challenges. The Jerusalem Post has consistently advocated for such unity, especially since the October 7 massacre.

Netanyahu stated his intention to establish a broad, not narrow, government, emphasizing that it should not be dependent on Arab parties. He believes this approach is necessary to foster internal agreements and avoid deepening divisions. He highlighted the need to end boycotts between political camps and warned against internal conflict, suggesting that Israelis agree on more issues than their politicians portray.

However, many Israelis greet Netanyahu's remarks with skepticism, given the country's recent history of intense political division. The judicial reform battle, protests, and deteriorating political discourse created deep societal rifts. Even after the October 7 attacks, which temporarily brought Israelis together through tragedy, opportunities for reshaping politics around national unity were seemingly replaced by familiar coalition calculations and domestic political battles.

Despite the skepticism, Netanyahu's proposal for a broad coalition should not be dismissed outright. Such a government could be better equipped to face the nation's significant security, economic, and societal challenges. The call for dialogue and unity, while perhaps strategically timed on the eve of an election campaign, carries weight and should guide Israeli politics, ideally from the outset.

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I intend to establish a broad national government. Not a narrow government, not a left-wing government that would be dependent on Arab parties, but a broad national government. Because only in that way, I believe, can we reach agreements among ourselves.