Pakistan, Nov. 15 -- Israeli caretaker Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has renewed his call for a national unity government with political rival Gadi Eisenkot. However, Eisenkot dismissed the proposal as a political trick, accusing Netanyahu of trying to undermine ongoing government-formation efforts.

The latest exchange comes as Eisenkot negotiates to form a new government after receiving the mandate to become prime minister on Sunday. Netanyahu said a meeting with Eisenkot on Thursday strengthened his belief that a unity government was necessary. He argued that such an arrangement would help protect Israel's security and address regional threats.

In a video statement, Netanyahu said a unity government could eliminate what he describ...