The Temptation of Chair-Holding: What Is the Point of a Unity Government Led by Netanyahu

Vladimir Beider analyzes Netanyahu's call for the opposition to join a unity government. The author believes the goal is to secure a 101-seat coalition and unlimited power, not national unity. Examples from the past are cited: the conflict with Lieberman and Eisenkot's participation in the war cabinet.

Vladimir Beider analyzes Benjamin Netanyahu's call for all opposition parties to join a national unity government. The author argues that behind the outward magnanimity lies a desire to obtain a 101-seat coalition that would give Netanyahu almost unlimited power. As evidence, episodes from the past are cited: the conflict with Avigdor Lieberman, when Netanyahu allegedly blocked the elimination of Hamas leaders, and Gadi Eisenkot's participation in the war cabinet after October 7, where, according to the author, he could not make any decisions. Beider concludes that such a unity government leads not to the salvation of democracy but to its demise.