Netanyahu Exploits Arab Party Allegations Amidst Coalition Calculations

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has leveraged claims made by the mayor of Toura al-Zangariya, Mu'ayyad al-Hayb, suggesting that Benny Gantz's National Unity party leader, Gadi Eisenkot, promised to include the United Arab List (Ra'am) in a future government. Netanyahu used this to bolster his campaign narrative, portraying reliance on Arab parties as a danger to be prevented. Al-Hayb later retracted his statement, clarifying that Eisenkot did not explicitly state he would bring Ra'am into the government.

The controversy began after Eisenkot met with eight Bedouin local authority heads in northern Israel. Initially, Eisenkot's party, Yisrael Beiteinu, framed the meeting as an expression of support for Eisenkot's premiership. However, al-Hayb disputed this, stating that the leaders had instead demanded Ra'am's inclusion in the next government, and that Eisenkot had pledged to work towards this.

Eisenkot's party, Yisrael Beiteinu, vehemently denied al-Hayb's initial account, calling it "lies and slander" and stating such matters were never discussed. The party outlined its conditions for joining a government, including recognition of Israel as a "Jewish and democratic state" and the principle of "service for all," principles that Ra'am's leader Mansour Abbas has previously supported. Yisrael Beiteinu also stated that any party not considering Hamas a terrorist organization would not be a partner.

Eisenkot himself dismissed the report as "absolute lies," asserting he makes no promises to party leaders regarding positions and discusses principles, not individuals. To counter the claims, Yisrael Beiteinu released video clips from the meeting, asserting they showed no discussion of future government composition. Eisenkot then criticized Netanyahu, urging him to "take an example" and release full protocols from war management meetings.

Netanyahu, prior to al-Hayb's retraction, released a video statement highlighting al-Hayb's initial claim, stating it "revealed" Eisenkot's intention to include Ra'am. Netanyahu also claimed Abbas had indicated a willingness to help Eisenkot reach a majority, even if short. He linked Eisenkot with other opposition leaders, alleging a shared plan to rely on Arab parties, and urged votes for Likud.

The controversy highlights the complex dynamics of coalition building in Israel, particularly the role of Arab parties. While Netanyahu seeks to mobilize his base by warning against reliance on Arab support, the situation also underscores the challenges Eisenkot faces in forming a government, especially if his bloc falls short of a 61-seat majority, and the potential for Arab parties to influence government formation through abstention or external support.