Netanyahu calls for unity government as UTJ withholds backing

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared in a recorded video statement Monday evening, his first public appearance since election day eight days ago. The statement, released by the Likud spokesperson, comes against the backdrop of a dramatic development: United Torah Judaism's decision not to recommend him to the president for forming the government, handing Gadi Eisenkot a majority of endorsements.

In the video, Netanyahu laid out his position on the composition of the next government while criticizing the possibility of a coalition dependent on Arab parties. "A government dependent on parties that support terror will not be able to confront the challenge of radical Islam that threatens us from within and without," the prime minister said.

Netanyahu warns against a government dependent on Arab parties | Photo: Likud spokesperson (Photo: Likud spokesperson)

Netanyahu went on to present his vision for the government: "Only a broad national government led by Likud and under my leadership, which will include all components of the national camp and all Zionist parties that wish to join, will be able to confront this challenge."

The video arrives at a particularly sensitive moment. Earlier Monday, United Torah Judaism announced it would not recommend Netanyahu to form the government. In a statement from Degel HaTorah, the party said: "Under the guidance of Maran Rosh HaYeshiva Rabbeinu HaGaon Rav Dov Lando shlita and Maran Rosh HaYeshiva HaGaon Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch shlita, the party's representatives will not recommend to the president any of the candidates for forming the government."

The chassidic faction issued a similar statement, clarifying: "Maranan verabanan gedolei Yisrael shlita instructed the chairman of Agudas Yisrael, MK Rabbi Yitzchak Goldknopf, not to recommend any candidate for prime minister." The statement added that "the primary mission is securing the status of Torah learners, and the candidate who brings a solution to this issue and legislation, is the one who will receive the party's support."

Following the decision, Netanyahu's bloc stands at just 46 MKs, while the left-wing bloc counts 48 MKs who will recommend Eisenkot, with the eight MKs of Ra'am expected to join them (though Eisenkot has pledged a majority without them). Shas, which took a severe blow in the elections when it was cut nearly in half, has chosen for now to remain in the bloc and recommend Netanyahu, along with Religious Zionism and Zehut.