Media Personality Calls for Unity Government, Criticizes Arab Vote

Media personality and i24NEWS anchor Eliraz Sade has called for an immediate unity government between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the National Unity party, urging the exclusion of the ultra-Orthodox parties. Sade strongly criticized the high voter turnout in the Arab sector, suggesting sanctions against Arab citizens similar to those discussed for the ultra-Orthodox regarding military conscription. He asserted that Arab citizens voted for parties that do not condemn Hamas, questioning their loyalty and connection to Israel.

Sade argued that any party that did not defeat Netanyahu after the October 7th attacks is unlikely to succeed, referencing Benny Gantz's political decline. He believes that the focus should be on forming a unity government to prevent further elections, which he sees as detrimental to the country. Sade emphasized that the responsibility now lies with the leaders to make difficult compromises for the sake of national unity and security.

He proposed a specific political framework: Netanyahu would not agree to a rotation of power, and Eisenkot should approach the situation humbly. Sade suggested Eisenkot serve as Defense Minister, with Netanyahu relinquishing support from the ultra-Orthodox parties. This, he argued, would be a starting point to prevent additional elections.

Sade's remarks followed a heated exchange with Channel 12 reporter Michal Activist, who highlighted the underrepresentation of the Arab community in media despite significant electoral gains. Sade countered by referencing an interview where MK Yasser Odeh of Ra'am, a party in the current government, described Hamas partly as a charitable organization, questioning Activist's definition of Arab integration into Israeli society.