Netanyahu's Aggressive Speech Angers Arab Parties Amid Government Formation Maneuvers

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's recent speech at the Knesset swearing-in ceremony, which shifted from a state address to an aggressive attack on the "change bloc" and Arab parties, has been described by Arab party leaders as crossing an "red line." This rhetoric comes as these parties are reportedly receiving overtures from various political factions.

Despite the political maneuvering, Netanyahu is actively working to prevent the formation of a government led by the opposition, with his Likud party reportedly seeking support for repeat elections. Meanwhile, the "change bloc," led by Gadi Eisenkot, is pushing forward with its plans to consolidate control over the Knesset. They intend to replace outgoing Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana with MK Matan Kahane and establish key committees, aiming to ultimately replace the executive branch leadership.

Netanyahu is reportedly exerting significant pressure on Haredi parties and rabbis to avoid any negotiations with Avigdor Lieberman, who has softened his stance on conscription and is seeking a compromise to join the government. Simultaneously, Netanyahu continues a campaign to delegitimize Arab parties, aiming to block any cooperation or reliance on them for government formation. "This week, a red line was crossed in incitement and defamation against the Arab public," stated one Arab party leader, referring to Netanyahu's speech which falsely accused 19 Arab MKs of supporting terrorism.

This broad accusation, irrespective of party, stance, or religious affiliation, has been deemed a serious offense by Arab party leaders. Ironically, sources reveal that Netanyahu's own associates have been in contact with these same Arab MKs. Nathan Eshal, a Netanyahu confidant, reportedly approached Ra'am Chairman Mansour Abbas multiple times before, during, and after the elections, urging him not to support a government led by Eisenkot. Eshal had previously facilitated communication between the Prime Minister's office and Abbas in 2019, leading to meetings where Netanyahu sought political partnership.

Furthermore, Netanyahu's allies have also approached the Joint List. A 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 repeat elections. Tibi revealed this outreach in response to Netanyahu's speech, accusing the Likud of hypocrisy for inciting against Arab citizens while simultaneously seeking their support behind closed doors.

Following Netanyahu's speech, Arab parties have decided against any dialogue with Likud, even for exploratory purposes, effectively closing the door on future cooperation. This marks a significant shift, as these parties have previously collaborated with Likud on various issues when the party needed support to secure a majority.

In a separate development, Shin Bet Director David Zini is reportedly continuing to pursue claims of election manipulation. Several activists from Arab parties were summoned for questioning by the Shin Bet this week, despite the Attorney General and senior police and prosecution officials not finding sufficient grounds for an investigation at this stage. Those questioned claim the interrogations were overtly political and unrelated to security concerns.

Sources close to former Joint List chairman Ayman Odeh also expressed confusion over what they describe as baseless Shin Bet briefings to the media. Odeh was reportedly implicated in receiving funds from the Palestinian Authority to influence election results, but his associates clarified that the funds were for a legitimate, documented peace initiative foundation established after his departure from the Knesset.

Meanwhile, the "change bloc" plans to intensify efforts next week to negotiate with United Torah Judaism, focusing on issues like the conscription law, Haredi education budgets, and the status quo on religion and state. Avigdor Lieberman will lead these efforts, aiming for breakthroughs on at least one of the Haredi's conditions for supporting an Eisenkot-led government. However, significant compromises from either side appear unlikely, especially given Lieberman's prior veto on Arab parties. Some in the "change bloc" and Arab parties believe these talks are intended to destabilize Netanyahu's bloc and demonstrate the "change bloc's" commitment to inclusivity, potentially paving the way for a government relying on Arab party abstentions if negotiations fail.

Despite internal disagreements within the "change bloc" regarding reliance on Arab parties, the overriding priority appears to be forming a government and avoiding repeat elections. Ra'am and the Joint List have reportedly assured the "change bloc" of their readiness to assist in any scenario that ends the Netanyahu government.