Eisenkot Accuses Netanyahu of Running Racist Campaign Against Arab Citizens

Israeli Prime Minister-designate Gadi Eisenkot accused Benjamin Netanyahu of conducting a racist and hostile campaign against Arab citizens for political gain. The accusation came during sensitive negotiations to establish a new government following the parliamentary elections held on October 27, 2026.

Eisenkot, who is the leader of the Yashar party, received a mandate from President Isaac Herzog to form a new government. The Prime Minister-designate met with Benjamin Netanyahu on November 13, 2026, to discuss the transition of power and security oversight. While Eisenkot reported progress in negotiations with various parliamentary blocs to establish a stable coalition, the political atmosphere remains highly divided.

Government formation challenges

The current political landscape is shaped by a split in the 120-seat Knesset. According to official records, 67 lawmakers recommended Gadi Eisenkot for the position, while 46 lawmakers backed Benjamin Netanyahu. The election results left no clear majority, necessitating complex negotiations between different political factions.

Gadi Eisenkot has been granted an initial 28-day mandate to form a government. This period may include a possible 14-day extension if a coalition cannot be reached within the original timeframe. The Prime Minister-designate emphasized that Arab citizens are an integral part of the Israeli story during the ongoing political process.

Political tensions and allegations

The negotiations are complicated by significant demographic and political divisions. Arab citizens constitute 21 percent of the total Israeli population. During the October 27, 2026, parliamentary elections, the Arab-majority parties Ra'am and the Joint List secured a combined total of 19 seats in the Knesset.

Benjamin Netanyahu has leveled several accusations against these Arab-majority parties. The outgoing Prime Minister accused Arab party leaders of refusing to label Hamas as a terrorist group following the October 7, 2023, attacks. Additionally, Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed that Arab parties seek to establish an Islamic or Palestinian state. However, electoral authorities have rejected allegations made by Benjamin Netanyahu regarding electoral fraud by Arab-majority parties.

The political environment has been marked by visible friction between leaders. During the parliamentary sessions, Itamar Ben Gvir heckled Youssef Jabareen, the leader of the Joint List, during his oath of allegiance. Furthermore, Avigdor Liberman has expressed opposition to any alliance involving Arab parties, adding further complexity to the efforts of Gadi Eisenkot to build a stable coalition.

Glossary

• Hamas — Hamas is a political organization. Not every member of the organization is a militant.
• Arab citizens — Arab citizens constitute 21 percent of the total Israeli population. They are an integral part of the Israeli story during the ongoing political process.
• mandate — A mandate is an authorization received to form a government. It can be granted for an initial period or include a possible extension.
• Knesset — The Knesset is the Israeli parliament. It consists of 120 seats and is composed of lawmakers.
• President Isaac Herzog — Isaac Herzog is the Israeli president. He has the authority to grant a mandate to a Prime Minister-designate to form a government.