Gadi Eizenkot Rejects Mansour Abbas's Call for Palestinian State Recognition

Gadi Eizenkot, chairman of the Yisrael party, sharply distanced himself from Mansour Abbas's demand for Israeli recognition of a Palestinian state. Abbas, leader of the Ra'am party, made the call during his party's national conference in Tayibe, asserting that a Palestinian state already exists and is recognized by most of the world. In response, Eizenkot declared that there is no Palestinian state and vowed that no such state would be established in any government his party forms. However, Eizenkot did not clarify whether this stance would prevent a coalition partnership with Ra'am, whose support may be crucial for forming a government opposed to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Abbas has indicated that Ra'am remains open to joining the next coalition despite the political disagreements. The exchange highlights deep divisions within the anti-Netanyahu bloc, particularly regarding cooperation with the Arab party and the contentious issue of Palestinian statehood. The political landscape remains uncertain as the 2026 elections approach and coalition negotiations loom.