Netanyahu calls for 'broad' gov't ahead of talks with rival

JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel's prime minister on Sunday expressed his support for a "broad national unity government" as a new round of talks began with his chief challenger over a potential power-sharing agreement.

Speaking to his Cabinet, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said such a coalition is essential for Israel to face what he said were mounting security challenges around the region.

"We must make tough decisions that require a government with broad shoulders," he said. "This is not a political question, but a national and security question of the highest order. I hope that we can advance this goal in the coming days."

Israel has been paralyzed by political deadlock following an inconclusive election last month, with neither Netanyahu's Likud nor the rival Blue and White party in control of a 61-seat majority in parliament.

After nearly a month of efforts, Netanyahu last week said he had failed to cobble together a coalition. Israel's president has now given the task to Blue and White leader Benny Gantz.

With Blue and White controlling 33 seats in parliament and Likud holding 32, the two parties together have enough support to form a government together. While both men support the idea of a unity deal, they have disagreed over who should lead it.

Netanyahu wants his traditional religious and nationalist allies to sit with Likud and Blue and White. Gantz, a former military chief, refuses to sit under a Netanyahu-led government while the long-serving leader faces possible indictment for corruption charges. Israel's attorney general is to decide on whether to charge Netanyahu in the coming weeks.

Gantz and Netanyahu were scheduled to meet Sunday evening. Ahead of their meeting, negotiators from the two parties met for preparatory talks that were "held in good...