Israel’s Eisenkot denounces ‘racist, hostile’ campaign against Arab citizens, cites progress in coalition talks

Israeli Prime Minister-designate Gadi Eisenkot on Friday accused caretaker Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of fueling a “racist and hostile” campaign against Arab citizens for political gain, while reporting progress in talks to form a new government.

In a lengthy post on US social media platform X, Eisenkot highlighted that Arab citizens account for more than one-fifth of Israel’s population.

“Arab citizens of Israel make up 21 percent of the total population. Since the start of the election campaign, they have faced a racist and violent campaign of delegitimization fueled by the outgoing prime minister and his circle for political reasons.”

“The prime minister of Israel is the prime minister of all citizens, including those who did not vote for him,” he added.

Eisenkot stressed that Arab citizens are “a part of the Israeli story.”

He said efforts to marginalize Arab citizens and collectively tarnish their reputation run counter to the principles of responsible political conduct.

While disagreements with representatives of Arab parties are legitimate, he said, targeting an entire community is unacceptable.

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Turning to efforts to form a government, Eisenkot reported progress in negotiations with parliamentary blocs and expressed willingness to explore all options for establishing a stable coalition under his leadership.

He warned that failing to form a government would be a “grave mistake,” adding that “complex and important weeks lie ahead of us.”

Eisenkot also said he met Netanyahu on Thursday, emphasizing that Israel’s security must not be exploited for political gain and that the outgoing government should remain subject to oversight during the transition.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog tasked Eisenkot, leader of the Yashar party, with forming a government Sunday after parliamentary factions representing 67 lawmakers recommended him, compared with 46 who backed Netanyahu.

Eisenkot has 28 days to form a governing coalition, with a possible 14-day extension.

The mandate followed the Oct. 27 parliamentary elections, which left neither Netanyahu’s bloc nor the opposition with an outright majority in the 120-seat Knesset.

Netanyahu remains caretaker prime minister until a new government takes office.

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