Eisenkot Cancels Likud Talks After Netanyahu's Knesset Speech

Gadi Eisenkot, head of the Yahad party, on Tuesday, November 10, canceled a scheduled meeting with Likud representatives to discuss government formation. The meeting, initially set for Wednesday, November 11, was called off after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a speech in the Knesset. Yahad stated that they had invited all Knesset factions to negotiations, proposing to form a government based on the party's four principles. Eisenkot cited Netanyahu's speech, delivered during an official ceremony, as divisive and a misuse of the platform. He described the speech as "absurd, divisive, full of hate, and shameful," adding that Netanyahu "abused the official swearing-in ceremony of the 26th Knesset." Eisenkot asserted that Netanyahu "cannot remain in his position for another minute" and that "his continued rule is tearing Israel apart and endangering its security," calling for an "emergency national unity government."

Naftali Bennett, leader of Yamina, commented on Netanyahu's speech with "This is not how unity is built." Netanyahu's address, given during the traditional faction leaders' photo session, focused heavily on criticizing Arab parties and the "change bloc's" negotiations with Ra'am. He stated that a government should not depend on Ra'am or the Joint List, accusing both parties of seeking Israel's destruction and calling Ra'am leader Mansour Abbas intent on creating a "democratic caliphate" in Israel's place.

Likud responded by saying they are ready to meet with any faction supporting unity. The party called Yahad's decision to cancel the meeting "strange," questioning their continued negotiations with those who walked out during the national anthem, referring to the Joint List's departure while Ra'am members remained. A Likud source suggested Eisenkot's invitation was a publicity stunt. Yair Netanyahu, the Prime Minister's son, called Eisenkot a "golem, a puppet of the darkest forces." Meanwhile, Mansour Abbas claimed Netanyahu told him that he and Sinwar "understand each other."

Separately, it was reported that Natan Eshel, a close associate of Netanyahu, had repeatedly contacted and negotiated with Abbas before and after the elections. Ynet also reported that the "change bloc" is actively negotiating with Ra'am, with Abbas reportedly willing to recognize Hamas as a terrorist organization in exchange for genuine political partnership.