Eisenkot Cancels Talks With Likud After Netanyahu's Knesset Speech

Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, announced the cancellation of a negotiation meeting scheduled for Wednesday between his party's team and the Likud team. The cancellation follows Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech at the Knesset swearing-in ceremony, during which he sharply criticized Arab parties and called against forming a government with them.

According to a party statement, the meeting was arranged after Yisrael Beiteinu approached all Knesset factions to conduct "honest and genuine negotiations" based on four principles set by the party for government formation. However, the statement continued, "In light of the Prime Minister's divisive speech and the desecration of the Knesset swearing-in ceremony and what remains of statehood under Netanyahu's rule, the chairman of Yisrael Beiteinu, Gadi Eisenkot, has now instructed to cancel tomorrow's negotiation meeting."

Eisenkot further clarified his position, stating, "Unity is an important value for Israel. Israeli solidarity is a component of Israel's national security, and for their benefit, we will continue to act. The outgoing Prime Minister attacked Israeli citizens tonight in what has become another sad reminder for those who needed further proof: Netanyahu does not want unity. As always, when choosing between the gravity of the hour and the strength of Israeli society, and between his political survival, Netanyahu will always choose himself. At any cost."