Gadi Eisenkot Accuses Benjamin Netanyahu of Fueling Racist Campaign
Gadi Eisenkot accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of using racist rhetoric against Arab citizens while attempting to form a new Israeli government.
Former military chief Gadi Eisenkot accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of fueling a racist and aggressive campaign against Arab citizens for political gain. Eisenkot, who was granted the mandate to form a government by President Isaac Herzog after receiving endorsement from 67 members of the 120-seat Parliament, described the vilification of the Arab community as a profound violation of statesmanship.
The conflict follows a speech by Benjamin Netanyahu to the Knesset, where the prime minister labeled Arab lawmakers as haters of Israel and terror supporters. Eisenkot stated that such rhetoric dishonors the values of the Jewish and democratic state and its Declaration of Independence.
While Arab parties, including the Joint List and Raam, support Eisenkot's efforts to oust Netanyahu, a significant policy divide remains. Eisenkot has stipulated that any party joining his government must recognize Hamas as a terrorist organization, a condition the Arab parties have so far refused to accept.
