Eisenkot accuses Netanyahu of fueling racist delegitimisation
Israeli prime ministerial hopeful Gadi Eisenkot has accused caretaker premier Benjamin Netanyahu of launching a 'racist' campaign against Israel's Arab minority. In a statement posted to X on Friday, Eisenkot said that Netanyahu and those around him have sought to delegitimise Arab lawmakers by linking them to Hamas.
"Arab citizens of Israel are an integral part of the Israeli story," Eisenkot wrote. "They have been subjected to a racist and aggressive campaign of delegitimisation, fuelled by the outgoing prime minister and those around him for political purposes."
He added: "The attempt to marginalise them and vilify them collectively is a profound violation of the principles of civic responsibility."
Arab parties win seats in parliament
Two Arab-majority parties — Ra’am and the Joint List — won 19 parliamentary seats in last month’s election, representing nearly one-sixth of Israel's 120-seat Knesset. This positions both parties as potential kingmakers in coalition negotiations led by Eisenkot.
The Guardian reports that all leaders from these parties have condemned Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, which killed many civilians including members of the Arab Israeli community who are descendants of Palestinians who remained in what became Israel after its founding in 1948.
Netanyahu criticises Arab party leadership
In public statements, Netanyahu has repeatedly accused Ra’am and Joint List leaders of refusing to describe Hamas as a "terror group". He has also claimed electoral fraud by these parties, though official election authorities have rejected those allegations.
During a ceremony for new ministers, national security minister Itamar Ben Gvir heckled Yousef Jabareen, leader of the Joint List, during his oath of allegiance. Ben Gvir accused him of having "pledged allegiance to Hamas."
Eisenkot responded: "It is entirely legitimate to disagree with representatives of the Arab parties, even to strongly disapprove of some of them. But it is neither legitimate nor acceptable to malign an entire community, and I will not allow it."
Government formation under pressure
President Isaac Herzog appointed Eisenkot as head of a new government following consultations in which most political parties — including both Arab lists — recommended his candidacy.
However, one of Eisenkot’s rightwing allies, Avigdor Lieberman, has stated he would withdraw from any coalition that includes Arab Israelis. If Eisenkot fails to form a stable government within 28 days, he may request a 14-day extension. Should no agreement be reached by then, the mandate will pass to another lawmaker, likely Benjamin Netanyahu.
The report is based on statements published by The Guardian and verified through its official publication page as of November 13, 2026.