India, Nov. 15 -- Israel's caretaker Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's appeal for a national unity government has been rejected by political rival Gadi Eisenkot, who accused the outgoing leader of trying to disrupt ongoing coalition negotiations. The exchange comes as Eisenkot works to assemble a governing coalition after being tasked with forming the next government on Sunday. He has 28 days to secure sufficient support, with the possibility of a 14-day extension.

In a video statement, Netanyahu said his meeting with Eisenkot on Thursday had strengthened his belief that a national unity government was necessary to protect Israel's security. He argued that such an arrangement could help eliminate what he described as the Iranian threat...