Netanyahu proposes broad unity government as Israel signs Lebanon security framework

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans to form a broad national unity government following the signing of a framework agreement with Lebanon. He said the Israel Defense Forces will remain in the Bofur area and pledged to respond to any violations by Hezbollah or Iran, highlighting ongoing drone threats.

Netanyahu also addressed domestic issues, linking the recent arrests of yeshiva students to a call for sanctions against those who do not study Torah, and discussed the enlistment crisis. The proposal sparked sharp criticism from opposition leaders and coalition partners, who labelled the idea unacceptable and warned they would not join a government led by Netanyahu.

Political figures such as Itamar Ben Gvir, Gadi Eizenkot, and Benny Gantz publicly rejected the unity‑government plan, arguing it could empower extremist or religious parties and undermine Israel’s democratic direction.