Eisenkot Accuses Netanyahu of Fueling Anti-Arab Campaign
Translated & summarized from Al-Shams by baba
Gadi Eisenkot, head of the Yashar Party, accused outgoing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of fueling a racist campaign against Arab citizens in Israel. Eisenkot stated that Arab citizens are a vital part of Israel and that such delegitimization efforts are anti-state. He is working to form a stable emergency government and noted progress in coalition talks. Meanwhile, Naftali Bennett's Together Party has introduced several legislative proposals, including one concerning military service budgets.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Gadi Eisenkot accused Benjamin Netanyahu of fueling a racist campaign against Arab citizens in Israel.
- Eisenkot stated that Arab citizens are an integral part of Israel and that delegitimization efforts are anti-state.
- Eisenkot is working to form a stable emergency government and reported progress in coalition talks.
- The "change blocs" in the Knesset are establishing key committees and initiating legislation for an October 7th inquiry.
- Eisenkot expressed concern over threats against his party members and their families, including bereaved families.
- Naftali Bennett's party submitted 17 bills, including one to redirect military service budgets.
Gadi Eisenkot, head of the Yashar Party, stated on Friday that Arab citizens in Israel are facing a racist and violent campaign to delegitimize them. He accused outgoing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his associates of fostering this campaign for political gain. Eisenkot emphasized that Arab citizens are an integral part of the Israeli narrative and that attempts to marginalize or tarnish their image contradict official state values and disrespect the Declaration of Independence.
Eisenkot's remarks followed a meeting with Netanyahu, during which Eisenkot stressed the need for strict oversight of the government's actions during the transition period due to security and internal conditions. He affirmed he would not permit a lack of oversight.
Regarding his efforts to form a government, Eisenkot plans to engage with all Knesset factions and members who agree with his four core principles to establish a stable emergency government under his leadership. He warned that failing to form a stable government promptly would be a "grave mistake." He noted progress in talks with political partners and pledged to exhaust all options to form a stable government.
Concerning Knesset activities, Eisenkot mentioned that the "change blocs" have begun leveraging their parliamentary majority. This includes establishing the organizing committee, the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, and the Finance Committee. Legislative steps are also underway to form an official inquiry committee into the events of October 7th and to repeal laws Eisenkot believes have harmed democracy.
Eisenkot addressed concerns about potential defection by Knesset member Elisaf Peretz if a government includes Arab parties, referencing statements by Peretz's mother, Miriam Peretz. Eisenkot expressed confidence in Peretz's decisions but voiced concern over a "toxic and ugly" campaign involving thousands of abusive messages and threats directed at several of his party members and their families, including bereaved families.
In a related development, Naftali Bennett, head of the Together Party, announced his party has begun implementing its political and legislative agenda, submitting 17 bills on the first day of the Knesset session. These include a "Soldiers Law" to redirect budgets from draft dodgers to those serving, and bills related to an October 7th inquiry committee, public transportation, education, and rehabilitation of areas near the Gaza Strip.
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