Joint List MK Ahmad Tibi Urges Swift Government Formation, Criticizes Netanyahu

Ahmad Tibi, head of the Joint List faction in the Knesset, stated that his party's position has consistently been the necessity of forming a swift alternative government to replace Benjamin Netanyahu's administration, aiming to halt what he described as dangerous policies and bloodshed. He urged the "change bloc" to overcome negotiation obstacles and finalize government formation.

Tibi noted that Gadi Eisenkot has 28 days to form a government, with a possible 14-day extension. He emphasized that election results show 67 Knesset members in the change bloc versus 48 for Netanyahu's bloc, refuting claims of a stalemate. Tibi highlighted the importance of the change bloc controlling the Knesset's organizing committee, which dictates the formation and distribution of parliamentary committees and positions. He also identified the Joint List, with its 11 MKs, as the largest parliamentary bloc representing the Arab community.

Regarding negotiations with Haredi parties, Tibi deemed it positive to seek understanding but cautioned against wasting time, given their clear demands and the inability of some change bloc parties to accept them. He suggested Haredi parties' anger towards Netanyahu stems from unfulfilled coalition promises over the past four years, particularly concerning the conscription law, and the sensitive internal issue of arrests related to draft refusal.

Tibi strongly criticized Prime Minister Netanyahu's recent rhetoric, calling it among the most inciting and racist. He accused Netanyahu of targeting Arab citizens in all aspects of their lives, from professionals to students and workers, and warned of increased racist attacks. Tibi stressed that Netanyahu, as Prime Minister, bears responsibility for the dangerous nature of this discourse and reiterated the need to remove him from office to improve the political and social situation.

Furthermore, Tibi accused Netanyahu of seeking a military initiative against Iran for internal political and coalition reasons, aiming to force a national unity government under his leadership or hinder Eisenkot's ability to form a new government. He pointed out that Netanyahu is preventing Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee sessions, which monitor government actions and discuss security matters, raising questions about the motives behind obstructing parliamentary oversight during this sensitive period. Tibi also confirmed ongoing parliamentary coordination with the United Arab List, despite electoral competition, and revealed continued contacts with Eisenkot's bloc, including a meeting with Yair Golan, with plans for broader discussions on political and coalition cooperation.