Yisrael Beiteinu Cancels Talks with Likud After Netanyahu's Knesset Speech

Yisrael Beiteinu Chairman Gadi Eisenkot ordered the cancellation of a meeting scheduled for Wednesday with Likud representatives, citing Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu's speech during the Knesset's swearing-in ceremony. Netanyahu, speaking after the 120 new Knesset members were sworn in, called for the formation of a national unity government. He then attacked Arab parties and the "change bloc" for being willing to sit with them.

Yisrael Beiteinu stated that the meeting's cancellation was a response to Netanyahu's "divisive speech" and his "disgrace of the Knesset swearing-in ceremony and what remains of stateliness under Netanyahu's rule." The party added that "unity is an important value for Israel, Israeli solidarity is a component of Israel's national security, and for their benefit, we will continue to act." They accused the outgoing prime minister of attacking Israeli citizens and choosing his own political survival over the strength of Israeli society.

In his speech, Netanyahu urged the formation of a national unity government to confront "immense challenges," arguing that a narrow government cannot handle them. He criticized those considering forming a government with "terror supporters," distinguishing between Arab citizens who vote for Likud and those who consider Hamas a charity, not a terror organization. He questioned whether anyone would entrust the state's fate to those aiming to destroy the Jewish state, preferring Zionist parties representing a large Zionist public.

Netanyahu also differentiated between the supposedly moderate Ra'am and the supposedly extremist Joint List, stating their only difference was the type of state they envisioned on the ruins of the Jewish state: an Islamic state like Hamas or a Palestinian state like Fatah. He asserted that both agree that Israel has no right to exist as a Jewish state. He also addressed his Haredi allies, warning them against a narrow government and promising that any such promises would vanish if a left-wing government were formed.

MK Yair Golan of the Democratic Party walked out of the plenum during Netanyahu's speech, calling it a "sad reminder" that Netanyahu does not want unity. MK Gilad Kariv shouted at Netanyahu after his speech, accusing him of incitement and questioning his financial dealings with Qatar. Golan stated that Netanyahu is trying to cling to power through lies and incitement against the Arab public, predicting his eventual move to the opposition bench and the formation of a "government of repair and salvation."

Eisenkot described Netanyahu's speech as "delusional, divisive, full of hate, and shameful," stating it further convinced him that the prime minister is unfit to continue in his role.