Eisenkot Challenges Netanyahu's Incitement Against Arab Citizens

Former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot has publicly criticized outgoing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for inciting against Palestinian Arab citizens of Israel. In a November 13th social media post, Eisenkot stated that Arab citizens, who constitute 21% of the population, have been subjected to a violent, racist campaign to delegitimize them since the election campaign began, a campaign he directly attributed to Netanyahu and his associates. Eisenkot emphasized that the Prime Minister is responsible for all citizens, including those who did not vote for him, and that attempts to exclude and discredit Arab citizens are an affront to Israel's Declaration of Independence and its values as a Jewish and democratic state.

Eisenkot's statement is considered a bold move within the Israeli political context, coming after Netanyahu's inflammatory speech on November 10th at the Knesset's opening session, which drew widespread Israeli, Palestinian, and international reactions. Israeli media and analysts, including some on the right, suggested Netanyahu's speech backfired by crossing lines and engaging in existential and racist incitement against a significant portion of the country's population.

Netanyahu's remarks occurred during a period of political maneuvering, with the strength of Arab representation in the Knesset reportedly disrupting previous political calculations. Eisenkot's tweet appears to capitalize on the backlash against Netanyahu's rhetoric and perceived instability. The article suggests Eisenkot faces a dilemma: either compromise on the inclusion of Arab parliamentary representation or risk losing the chance to form a government, despite having a parliamentary majority.

Discussions involving Arab parties are ongoing, with MKs Mansour Abbas and Ahmad Tibi actively negotiating coalition terms. Abbas alluded to implicit understandings between Netanyahu and Hamas leader Sinwar before October 2023 and revealed contacts with Netanyahu's office post-election. Tibi shared details of direct messages from Netanyahu's office before and after the election, concerning legislation to prevent Netanyahu's candidacy due to his indictment. Eisenkot amplified Tibi's claims by sharing an interview, which garnered significant media attention and reportedly embarrassed Netanyahu.

Eisenkot's stance aligns with previous calls from figures like Yair Golan, MK Cariv, former Prime Ministers Ehud Barak and Ehud Olmert, and former Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon, all urging an end to incitement against the Arab public. As Eisenkot works to form a government, he is highlighting his differences with Netanyahu, warning against Netanyahu's alleged attempts to provoke an Iranian security crisis to establish an emergency government and control the Knesset. Security sources suggest Eisenkot is open to settlements in Syria and Lebanon, potentially involving withdrawal from areas occupied since 2024 in Syria in exchange for retaining a strategic monitoring point. This approach, the article notes, is consistent with his national security vision, opposing annexation and supporting a US-backed plan for Gaza involving international and Palestinian forces.

Unlike previous years where Arab politicians were largely excluded from Hebrew media, the post-election period has seen increased focus on Arab voices and parties. This contrasts sharply with the narrative promoted by Netanyahu and his allies, who label Arab citizens as "supporters of terrorism" and "enemies of Israel." Elite political and media circles are urging Eisenkot to rely on Arab parliamentary representation and beware of Netanyahu's schemes. Academic institutions, hospitals, and labor unions are also warning against street racism and its translation into violence, while former and current officials caution Eisenkot against alienating Arab representation, which they see as crucial for forming a government and ending Netanyahu's tenure. Accusations have been leveled against both Netanyahu and the head of the Shin Bet.

Public opinion within Eisenkot's camp reportedly favors relying on Arab parliamentary representation to dismantle what they perceive as Netanyahu's self-serving system. This growing support for Arab political legitimacy is increasing pressure on Netanyahu. A segment of Israeli society acknowledges that Eisenkot's legitimacy is bolstered by the acquired legitimacy and electoral power of Arab citizens. While Lieberman opposes a coalition based on Arab representation, the article points out his own past coalition with the United Arab List in 2021, suggesting his current stance is a negotiating tactic. Ultimately, despite the prevalence of hate speech, emerging movements challenging it are gaining traction, driven by the will of the Palestinian Arab public in Israel. Eisenkot's public opposition to Netanyahu's hate speech signifies ongoing shifts in Israeli public opinion, with Arab parliamentary representation emerging as a decisive force for any government seeking to replace Netanyahu.