Netanyahu calls for unity government excluding Arab parties

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called for a national unity government excluding Arab parties, which he labeled "terrorism supporters," without specifying who should lead it. He warned such a coalition would destroy the country. Netanyahu's remarks come ahead of President Isaac Herzog's decision on Sunday on the mandate to form a government. Gadi Eisenkot of the Yesh Atid party reportedly has support from 67 lawmakers versus Netanyahu's 46. Netanyahu claimed a government with Arab parties would not fight Hamas and warned of civil war, citing recent unrest in Europe. He urged a coalition of all Zionist parties to protect Israel and address the Iranian nuclear threat.