Smotrich Warns Opposition Against Relying on Arab Parties for Coalition

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich delivered a fiery speech in the Knesset on Wednesday, warning the opposition against forming a coalition that relies on Arab parties, whom he accused of not recognizing Israel as a Jewish state and not designating Hamas as a terror organization. He engaged in a heated exchange with Mansour Abbas, chairman of the Ra'am party, whom Smotrich confronted about his past statements. Smotrich also addressed claims that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu incited against Arab citizens, stating that Netanyahu was merely quoting Arab lawmakers themselves. He argued for a distinction between providing services to Arab citizens and involving parties that do not share the fundamental Zionist ethos in critical policy and security decisions. Smotrich proposed that Netanyahu and MK Izankot should meet directly to agree on foundational principles for a unity government, emphasizing that neither side received a mandate to govern alone and that compromises are necessary. He urged the opposition not to boycott the Likud and its voters, stating, "Do not hand over the State of Israel to its enemies because of boycotts." He concluded by warning, "Do not dare to put the State of Israel in the hands of its enemies, this is an indelible stain."