Netanyahu calls for unity government without 'Hamas supporters'

Netanyahu calls for unity government without 'Hamas supporters'

In a video statement released on Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said forming a unity government was an "absolute necessity".

"Two days ago I called for the formation of a unity government, and this is the need of the hour," Netanyahu said.

"You cannot form a government with Hamas supporters," he added. "You cannot fight Iran and the rest of its followers within extremist Islam if, inside the government, you rely on supporters of extremist Islam."

Netanyahu said the government should include all parties of the national camp, including Haredi parties, as well as the other Zionist parties, and should be led by Likud.

"It is only natural that the largest party should lead this government," he said.