National Unity party leaders: We will go to the opposition

The three leaders of the National Unity party Benny Gantz, Gideon Sa’ar and Gadi Eisenkot announce that they will not enter coalition negotiations with Benjamin Netanyahu and will go to the opposition.

“The State of Israel faces many great challenges that the government, dependent on extremists, must face,” the three said in a statement after meeting, referring to the far-right Religious Zionism party that looks set to become the third largest party.

“We have decided to continue to try and establish the National Unity camp as a major organization at the center of the political map. We accept the decision of the voters and after the establishment of the government we will remain a responsible opposition,” the statement says.

The statement comes amid speculation Netanyahu, who appears headed for a resounding victory, could try and bring National Unity into his government in a bid to balance out the far-right elements.