‘These tricks don’t work on me’: Eisenkot rejects Netanyahu’s 'unity govt' appeal

Israel's caretaker Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday renewed his call for a national unity government with political rival Gadi Eisenkot, who dismissed the appeal as a political “trick” and accused him of trying to sow division.The exchange comes as Eisenkot negotiates to form a government after being tasked with the job on Sunday.

He has 28 days to form a coalition, with a possible 14-day extension.In a video statement, Netanyahu said a meeting with Eisenkot on Thursday had reinforced his belief that a unity government was necessary to protect Israel's security.Such an administration, he said, could "eliminate the Iranian threat once and for all", AFP reported.Netanyahu said the proposed government should comprise parties that recognise Israel "as a state for the Jewish people".