Netanyahu's Aggressive Speech Angers Arab Parties Amidst Coalition Maneuvering

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's recent speech, described by Arab party leaders as crossing an "red line" of incitement, has intensified political maneuvering as the Knesset convenes without him holding a parliamentary majority. Despite a veto from Avigdor Lieberman on including Arab parties, the "change bloc" is still exploring various scenarios for forming a government, aiming to replace the outgoing Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana with MK Matan Kahana and solidify their control over legislative committees.

Netanyahu, however, is actively working to prevent the formation of a government led by Gadi Eisenkot. He is reportedly pressuring Haredi parties and rabbis not to engage in negotiations with Lieberman, who is seeking a compromise on the conscription law to bring the Haredim into a coalition. Simultaneously, Netanyahu is continuing a campaign to delegitimize Arab parties, aiming to preclude any cooperation or reliance on them for a new government. "This week a red line was crossed in incitement and defamation against the Arab public," stated one Arab party leader, referring to Netanyahu's Knesset swearing-in speech, which they characterized as aggressive, misleading, and containing fabricated statements.

Arab party leaders are particularly incensed by Netanyahu's broad accusation that 19 Arab MKs support terrorism, a generalization they deem severe and requiring a response. This comes despite reports that Netanyahu's associates, including confidant Nathan Eshal, have been in contact with Arab MKs, including Ra'am Chairman Mansour Abbas, both before and after the elections. Eshal had previously facilitated communication between the Prime Minister's office and Abbas, leading to meetings in 2021 when Netanyahu sought political partnership amidst a government formation deadlock.

Further complicating matters, Likud officials have also approached the Joint List. Senior Likud minister reportedly urged Joint List faction chairman Ahmad Tibi not to cooperate with the change bloc in replacing the Knesset Speaker, suggesting instead a push for new elections. Tibi revealed this outreach in response to Netanyahu's anti-Arab rhetoric, accusing Netanyahu and the Likud of hypocrisy for inciting against Arab citizens while privately seeking their support to prevent the opposition from forming a government.

Following Netanyahu's speech, Arab parties have resolved to cease all dialogue with the Likud, even for exploratory purposes. This move effectively closes the door on potential cooperation, despite past instances where Arab parties supported Likud initiatives to secure parliamentary majorities. Meanwhile, Shin Bet Director David Zini is reportedly pursuing claims of election manipulation, summoning Arab party activists for questioning, even though the Attorney General and senior police and prosecution officials do not see a basis for such investigations at this stage. Activists claim the interrogations were political and unrelated to security concerns. Close associates of former Joint List chairman Ayman Odeh deny reports of him being questioned, clarifying that any funding received by his post-Knesset peace initiative NGO was legal and documented.

In parallel, the change bloc plans to intensify efforts next week to negotiate with United Torah Judaism, with Lieberman attempting to find common ground on issues like the conscription law and Haredi education budgets. However, significant compromises on these issues from either side appear unlikely, especially after Lieberman's declaration against a government relying on Arab parties. Some in the change bloc and Arab parties believe these negotiations are aimed at destabilizing Netanyahu's bloc and demonstrating the change bloc's efforts to include the Haredim. If these talks fail, the change bloc may proceed with a government relying on the abstention or support of Arab parties. Ra'am and the Joint List have stated their readiness to assist in any scenario that ends the Netanyahu government, provided it aligns with their goals.