Eisenkot Slams Netanyahu Over Racist Campaign Targeting Arab Israelis

Gadi Eisenkot, who was recently tasked with forming a new government by President Isaac Herzog, spoke out against Benjamin Netanyahu's efforts to delegitimise Arab lawmakers by linking them to Hamas. Eisenkot argued that attempting to marginalize and collectively vilify Arab citizens, who comprise over 20% of the population, violates the principles of civic responsibility. Netanyahu and his allies have repeatedly criticized leaders of Arab parties for refusing to label Hamas a terror group following the 7 October 2023 attacks. The controversy underscores deep political divisions in Israel as Eisenkot attempts to build a coalition. Two Arab-majority parties secured 19 seats in the recent election and could potentially support his government, though rightwing allies like Avigdor Lieberman have threatened to withdraw if Arab Israelis are included in the coalition.