Netanyahu says national unity government still possible day after accusing Arab lawmakers of supporting ‘terrorism’

Detailed summary

Netanyahu struck a different tone from his remarks a day earlier, reiterating his call for political unity amid the ongoing government-formation process. | World News

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday said that the formation of a national unity government was still possible, a day after accusing Arab lawmakers of supporting "terrorism" and seeking Israel's "destruction" in a speech in the Knesset, The Times of Israel reported.

Speaking to reporters in the Knesset premises, Netanyahu struck a different tone from his remarks a day earlier, reiterating his call for political unity amid the ongoing government-formation process.

"Yesterday I said why a national unity government is necessary. Today I want to say why it's possible," Netanyahu told reporters.

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He said Israel had demonstrated its ability to unite during critical moments, adding that the country was once again facing such a situation.

"It is possible because this nation knows how to come together at moments of truth," he said, describing national unity as "the call of the hour" and the will of the majority.

Netanyahu cited the Knesset's swearing-in ceremony and the past three years of war as examples of people from different political and ideological backgrounds coming together.

"Religious and secular, left and right, simply stood and fought together shoulder to shoulder," he said.

The Israeli prime minister also said he would continue reaching out to potential coalition partners, adding that the country faced significant challenges as well as opportunities.

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