Arab Israeli Lawmaker Tells Eisenkot His Conditions Don't Apply

Ahmad Tibi, a prominent Arab Israeli lawmaker, has stated that the four conditions set by Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the National Unity Party, do not apply to the Joint List, as they do not intend to join a government led by Eisenkot. Tibi explained in an interview with "The Independent Arabic" that the Joint List seeks to be a "safety net" for an Eisenkot-led government, aiming to oust Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Tibi believes that Netanyahu might try to leverage a potential war with Iran to form a national unity government with Eisenkot, or use the conflict as an excuse for new elections. However, Tibi prefers a government led by Eisenkot, seeing it as a democratically and civilly superior option that would remove the current government, which he strongly opposes, along with ministers Smotrich and Ben Gvir. Tibi asserted that Netanyahu will not be able to form a government and that his removal from the political arena would be welcomed. He emphasized that the decision rests with Eisenkot, questioning if he has the courage to proceed and recognize that 67 seats (implying a coalition including Arab parties) are more advantageous than 53. Tibi also noted that the Arab community was instrumental in the downfall of the Netanyahu-Ben Gvir government. He acknowledged that an Eisenkot government would not fulfill all their aspirations, such as establishing a Palestinian state, but would be a less detrimental option. The Joint List's primary goals include preventing the demolition of homes in Arab communities and addressing issues of violence and crime. Tibi specifically mentioned that Eisenkot's four principles, recognizing Israel as a Jewish state, commitment to the Declaration of Independence, mandatory military or national service for all citizens, and recognizing Hamas as a terrorist organization, are not applicable to the Joint List because they will not be part of the government. He expressed hope that Eisenkot would act to end "Jewish terrorism" in the West Bank and occupied territories, a stance Eisenkot has previously stated. Tibi concluded by saying that while wars are not a solution, peace is, and although peace may not be imminent, they are certain that conflict is not the answer.