Netanyahu Defends IDF Hero Yosef Hadad, Criticizes Gadi Eizenkot Over Mansour Abbas Comparison

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sharply criticized Gadi Eizenkot, chairman of the Yashar party, after Eizenkot compared Yosef Hadad, an IDF veteran, to Mansour Abbas, leader of the Ra'am party. Netanyahu posted a video response on July 16, 2026, rejecting the comparison and accusing Eizenkot of trying to justify forming a government reliant on Arab parties. Netanyahu called Hadad "an Israeli hero" who fought in Lebanon, was wounded, and became disabled, emphasizing Hadad's dedication to Israel's cause and contrasting him with Abbas, whom Netanyahu accused of denying Israel's existence, supporting Hamas, and receiving billions from left-wing governments.

Netanyahu directly addressed Eizenkot, asserting that his comparison revealed an admission that he cannot form a government without Arab party support. Netanyahu pledged to establish a broad national government only with those who recognize Israel as the nation-state of the Jewish people. The dispute follows Eizenkot's interview where he did not rule out joining a coalition with Mansour Abbas and mentioned the possibility of Hadad entering politics with Likud. Hadad himself condemned the comparison, stating no one should "whitewash" Abbas using his name and expressing opposition to current Arab parties in the Knesset. Hadad has not yet decided whether to enter politics.

This political clash highlights ongoing tensions over coalition-building in Israel and differing views on cooperation with Arab parties. Netanyahu’s firm stance underscores his commitment to a government that excludes parties he views as hostile to Israel’s Jewish identity.