Protesters Denounce Potential Arab Party Support for Israeli Government

Hundreds of right-wing demonstrators gathered outside the Knesset in Jerusalem on Tuesday to protest the possibility of Gadi Eisenkot forming a minority government with the backing of Arab parties. The protest, organized by the right-wing Im Tirtzu movement, coincided with the opening session of the 26th Knesset. Protesters chanted slogans such as "We do not form a government with terrorists" and "A government with terrorists is a betrayal of our soldiers," accusing Arab parties of supporting terrorism. The demonstration, which began with a few dozen people, grew to several hundred participants. Some approached police barriers near the parliament building. Despite the strong rhetoric, the rally remained peaceful. Many carried signs criticizing the prospect of a government reliant on the votes of the United Arab List and Ra'am. Speakers directly criticized Eisenkot and his political allies, accusing the bloc opposing Benjamin Netanyahu of seeking to use the 19 Arab party deputies to gain control of the Knesset. One speaker denounced the potential election of Matan Kahana as Knesset speaker, calling it an election that would rely on "the signature of 19 terrorists." Another speaker addressed Eisenkot directly, stating, "If you use the votes of those who pulled the trigger to kill our children, you are not worthy of being prime minister." The protest occurred amid high political tensions following the legislative elections on October 27. Netanyahu's bloc holds 53 seats, while the four parties supporting Eisenkot hold 48. The 19 deputies from Ra'am and the United Arab List could provide Eisenkot's bloc with a parliamentary majority of 67 seats, even without joining the government. This prospect is strongly opposed by the protesters, as Eisenkot continues coalition-building negotiations.