Israel coalition government a threat to security, warns Netanyahu

Israel's PM Benjamin Netanyahu has warned that a proposed unity government aimed at replacing him would be a danger to the country's security.

He urged fellow right-wingers not to back a deal after ultra-nationalist Naftali Bennett said he would form a coalition with a centrist party.

Mr Netanyahu's opponents have until Wednesday to form a government.

If they are successful, it would bring to an end the rule of the country's longest-serving prime minister.

Mr Netanyahu, who faces serious corruption charges and could go to jail, fell short of a decisive majority at a general election in March. It was the country's fourth inconclusive vote in two years - and again he failed to secure coalition allies.

But his opponents may only be able to form a minority government, propped up by Arab of parliament.

On Monday, the centrist opposition leader Yair Lapid warned that "many obstacles" remained before a unity government could be formed.

"We'll have to overcome them together," he told journalists. "That's our first test - to see if we can find smart compromises in the coming days to achieve the greater goal."

Tensions remain following the recent Gaza conflict, which also triggered inter-communal clashes in Israeli cities between Jews and Arabs.

Some Arab politicians could be reluctant to back a government led by Mr Bennett, who is a staunch er of Jewish settlement in the Israeli-occupied West Bank - land Palestinians want for a future state.

"Don't form a left-wing government - such a government is a danger to Israel's security and future," 71-year-old Mr Netanyahu, who has dominated Israeli politics for a generation, said on Sunday.

Naming left-wing leaders who, he hinted, could weaken Israel's security cabinet, he asked: "What impact will that have on Israel's deterrent capability? How will we look to our enemies? What will they say in Iran and Gaza":[]}