Netanyahu Associate Slams Arab Parties Amid Election Influence Claims

Natan Eshel, a close associate of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has vehemently denied allegations made by Member of Knesset Ahmad Tibi regarding attempts to influence Tibi's political stance before and after the recent elections. Tibi had presented WhatsApp messages on live television, claiming they were sent by Eshel and aimed at dissuading him from supporting legislation against Netanyahu or joining a potential government led by Gadi Eisenkot.

In a sharp response, Eshel called Tibi a "liar" and questioned the self-respect of Arab parties, including Tibi, for considering being a "supplement" to a government that he claims rejects them. Eshel's statement, published on Saturday, also criticized the prospect of Arab parties cooperating with a government led by Eisenkot, using the derogatory term "concubine" to describe their potential role.

Tibi had revealed the alleged messages during an appearance on "Ofira Ohana Sari" on Channel 12, directly addressing Netanyahu and accusing him of sending his "personal advisor" to pressure Arab parties regarding the "accused's law" and preventing their support for a government opposed to Netanyahu.

Tibi further claimed that a government minister also approached him privately, suggesting that new elections would be preferable to forming a government with Arab parties. Tibi stated his goal was to end the terms of Netanyahu and Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.

The controversy erupted following a speech by Netanyahu last Tuesday, where he called for a national unity government and criticized the "change bloc's" dealings with Arab parties. Tibi accused Netanyahu of inciting against the Arab public and highlighted a perceived gap between Netanyahu's public statements and his alleged behind-the-scenes overtures.