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Netanyahu Calls for Unity Government, Attacks Arab Parties; Eisenkot Responds
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a politically charged speech at the swearing-in ceremony of the 26th Knesset on Tuesday, calling for national unity while launching a sharp attack against Arab political parties. Netanyahu warned of existential threats, particularly from Iran, and highlighted his government's actions against Iranian military infrastructure and terror groups. However, his remarks about Arab parties, whom he accused of denying Israel's right to exist and supporting terrorism, sparked immediate protests and walkouts by several lawmakers.
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What happened
- 01Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sparked a political storm during his speech at the swearing-in of the 26th Knesset on Tuesday.
- 02Netanyahu attacked Arab parties as supporters of terrorism who deny Israel's right to exist, prompting several lawmakers to walk out.
- 03Gadi Eisenkot, who holds the mandate to form the next government, called Netanyahu's speech delusional, divisive, and shameful.
- 04Eisenkot declared Netanyahu unfit to serve as prime minister and urged the immediate formation of a national emergency government.
- 05Naftali Bennett interrupted the speech to demand answers from Netanyahu regarding the investigation into the October 7 disaster.
- 06Yair Golan accused the prime minister of lying and inciting against Arab citizens solely to preserve his political power.
- 07Mansour Abbas stated that Netanyahu's accusations against Arab parties fabricated libels and endangered the security of Israeli citizens.
- 08Netanyahu appealed directly to ultra-Orthodox parties to remain in his political bloc and avoid joining a government led by Eisenkot.
The speech drew fierce condemnation from opposition leaders, who accused the prime minister of using an official state event to sow division. Gadi Eisenkot, the head of the Yashar Party who currently holds the mandate to form the next government, described Netanyahu's address as delusional, hateful, and shameful. Eisenkot declared that the speech proved Netanyahu is unfit to lead and reiterated his call for the urgent formation of a national emergency government to protect Israel's security.
During the address, other opposition figures also confronted the prime minister. Naftali Bennett interrupted Netanyahu to demand answers regarding the investigation into the events of October 7, while Yair Golan accused him of lying and inciting against Arab citizens to maintain power. Mansour Abbas of the United Arab List stated that Netanyahu's remarks fabricated libels and endangered public safety. Netanyahu also used the platform to urge ultra-Orthodox parties to remain loyal to his bloc and reject joining any potential government led by Eisenkot.
Summarized by baba from the reports of 3 newsrooms. Updated
Latest report: Makan. Read Makan’s originalThe coverage
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Netanyahu Calls for Unity Government, Attacks Arab Parties; Eisenkot Responds
