Knesset Member Tibi Slams Yair Netanyahu Over Remarks on Arab Citizens

Member of Knesset Ahmed Tibi sharply criticized Yair Netanyahu, son of the Israeli Prime Minister, on Friday evening for calling Arab citizens in Israel "the greatest threat to the state's survival." In a post on the X platform, Tibi responded to Netanyahu's remarks, which also linked Islamic ideology to violence and the subjugation of other religious groups. Tibi described Yair Netanyahu, who resides in Miami, as having published "a racist and anti-Semitic statement in his usual way." He added, "At least the Arabs here work to earn their living with dignity, and are not content with tweeting from their residence in Miami." Tibi accused the Prime Minister's son of continuing a rhetoric of incitement and racism, asserting that Arab citizens will continue to work for a future based on cooperation and equal rights. He also stated they would strive to change the "tragic" reality, holding Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responsible for its creation. Tibi also commented on the possibility of a second election round, saying, "If a second round occurs, we will come in greater numbers and with stronger determination." The criticism followed Netanyahu's post that drew backlash for describing Arab citizens as the biggest threat to Israel's existence and for linking Islam to violence.