הנאום ש"חצה קו אדום"? במפלגות הערביות חושפים את ההצעות

Following Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's aggressive speech at the Knesset's opening, Arab parties are reporting increased overtures and proposals, while simultaneously condemning his rhetoric as crossing a red line. Netanyahu, determined to prevent the formation of a government led by the opposition, is actively seeking support for repeat elections, while his party attempts to garner backing for this scenario. Despite Avigdor Lieberman's veto, the "Change bloc" is exploring all potential government formations.

The 26th Knesset convened with Netanyahu lacking a parliamentary majority for the first time in four years. The "Change bloc" plans to solidify its control by electing MK Matan Kahana as the new Knesset Speaker, replacing Amir Ohana, and establishing temporary committees, paving the way for a potential change in the executive branch.

Netanyahu is exerting significant pressure on Haredi parties and rabbis to reject any negotiations with Lieberman, who is attempting to broker a deal on conscription to bring the Haredim into a coalition. Simultaneously, Netanyahu is continuing a campaign to delegitimize Arab parties, aiming to prevent any cooperation with them. "A red line was crossed this week in incitement and defamation against the Arab public," stated one Arab party leader, referring to Netanyahu's speech, which they described as containing fabrications and inaccuracies, including false accusations of supporting terrorism against all Arab MKs.

Despite Netanyahu's public stance, his associates have been in contact with Arab MKs. Netanyahu confidant Natan Eshal reportedly approached Ra'am head Mansour Abbas multiple times before and after the elections, urging him not to support a government led by Gadi Eisenkot. Eshal had previously facilitated communication between Netanyahu's office and Abbas in 2019, leading to meetings where Netanyahu sought political partnership.

Furthermore, Netanyahu's associates have approached the Joint List. A senior Likud minister allegedly urged Joint List faction head Ahmad Tibi not to cooperate with the "Change bloc" on replacing the Knesset Speaker, suggesting they should push for repeat elections instead. Tibi revealed this approach in response to Netanyahu's speech, accusing the Likud of hypocrisy for inciting against Arab citizens while seeking their support behind the scenes.

In response to Netanyahu's speech, Arab parties have decided against any dialogue with the Likud. This move closes the door on potential cooperation, despite past instances where Arab parties supported the Likud to achieve parliamentary majorities.

Separately, Shin Bet Director David Zinai continues to investigate claims of election interference, summoning several Arab activists for questioning. This occurs despite the Attorney General and senior police and prosecution officials not seeing a basis for an investigation at this stage. The summoned activists claim their interrogations were political and unrelated to security concerns.

Sources close to former Joint List head Ayman Odeh deny he was summoned for questioning, addressing reports about him receiving funds from the Palestinian Authority for election influence. They clarify that the funds were for a legal peace initiative NGO he founded after leaving the Knesset, with no money having left the organization.

Meanwhile, the "Change bloc" plans to intensify negotiations with United Torah Judaism next week, focusing on issues like the conscription law, Haredi education budgets, and the status quo on religion and state. Lieberman will lead these efforts, aiming for progress on at least one of the Haredim's conditions for supporting an Eisenkot-led government.

Reaching significant compromises on these issues appears difficult for both Lieberman and the Haredim, especially after Lieberman's declaration against a government relying on Arab parties. However, some in the "Change bloc" and Arab parties believe these talks are intended to destabilize Netanyahu's bloc and demonstrate the "Change bloc's" efforts to include the Haredim. If these efforts fail, the "Change bloc" may proceed with a government supported or enabled by Arab parties' abstention.

While some in the "Change bloc" oppose relying on Arab parties, they do not rule out a government with Haredi abstention and Ra'am's support. Ultimately, the desire to form a government and avoid repeat elections seems to be the overriding factor for the "Change bloc." Ra'am and the Joint List have stated their readiness to assist in any scenario that ends the Netanyahu-Samohtrich-Ben Gvir government.