Netanyahu Aide Approached Arab Lawmaker to Block Legislation, Tibi Claims

Member of Knesset Ahmad Tibi has accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of inciting against the Arab public and its representatives, following a speech Netanyahu gave on Tuesday. Appearing on Channel 12, Tibi presented WhatsApp messages he claims were sent by Nathan Achel, a close associate of Netanyahu. Tibi stated that these messages, sent on October 20, 21, and 23, aimed to influence his and his party's stances and votes in the Knesset, particularly concerning the "Accused Law" and preventing a political alliance with Gadi Eisenkot's bloc after the election results were published.

Tibi directly addressed Netanyahu during the broadcast, revealing that Achel had contacted him multiple times, including a week before the elections and late on election night after the results were announced. Tibi asserted that Achel's goal was to persuade him and his party not to support the "Accused Law" and to dissuade them from joining Eisenkot's bloc.

The revelations come amid sharp criticism from Gadi Eisenkot against Netanyahu for what he termed a "racist campaign" against the Arab public. Reports indicate that Achel repeatedly contacted Tibi before, during, and after the elections to ascertain if the Ra'am party would provide a safety net for a government led by Eisenkot and to convince him not to do so. Achel had also inquired about Ra'am's willingness to allow Eisenkot to pass the conscription law.

When asked by interviewers about the sender, Tibi identified Nathan Achel. Tibi claimed that Achel's inquiries were aimed at blocking legislative moves and preventing political alliances. The Prime Minister's Office responded to the report, stating that Netanyahu was surprised by the report and unaware of the contacts, and that they were not made on his behalf.