Eisenkot Accuses Netanyahu of Fueling ‘Racist’ Hostility Against Arabs

What the report says

Gadi Eisenkot, the former Israeli military chief and a leading opposition figure, publicly accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday of encouraging a racist campaign against Arab citizens of Israel. His criticism came shortly after Netanyahu delivered a contentious speech at the opening of the Knesset that described Arab lawmakers as supporters of terrorism and enemies of Israel.

According to The New York Times, Eisenkot said the Arab community had been subjected to a delegitimization campaign for political reasons. He argued that Arab citizens are a core part of Israeli society and that broad attacks on them violate the country’s democratic principles. Arab citizens make up about one-fifth of Israel’s population, and analysts and diplomats cited by the paper condemned Netanyahu’s remarks as incitement.

The dispute comes as Israel tries to form a new government after inconclusive elections. President Isaac Herzog recently gave Eisenkot a mandate to seek a coalition after 67 of the 120 lawmakers endorsed him for the post of prime minister. Arab parties have backed his effort to replace Netanyahu, though the article notes that cooperation with them remains politically sensitive.

The Times also reported that Netanyahu and his allies have claimed, without evidence, that Arab voters stole the election. The coverage highlights how the struggle over Arab political participation has become central to the broader battle over who will lead the next government.