Editor's Notes: Any unity deal must start with the leaders who are here, including Netanyahu

Zvika Klein proposes a unity government with Benjamin Netanyahu as prime minister, Gadi Eisenkot as defense minister, and the Bennett-Lapid partnership controlling finance and foreign affairs, conditional on an independent October 7 inquiry and a military-service agreement.

Zvika Klein proposes a unity government for Israel following the 2026 election, with Benjamin Netanyahu remaining prime minister, Gadi Eisenkot as defense minister, and the Bennett-Lapid partnership controlling finance and foreign affairs. Avigdor Liberman's Yisrael Beytenu would join negotiations over military service and the budget. The deal requires agreement on policies and funding before entering, an independent October 7 inquiry, and enforceable commitments on the balance of power among government branches. Klein compares the proposal to South Africa's 2024 coalition under Cyril Ramaphosa and warns that political loyalty remains fragile, as seen in Italy's collapsed Draghi government. He acknowledges that Netanyahu's rivals may reject the offer due to his role in the October 7 massacre, but argues that a serious unity proposal must start with the leaders who are actually present.