Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused both the Joint List and the United Arab List of seeking Israel’s destruction on Tuesday. The remarks came as his political rivals explored forming a governing coalition with the backing of Arab parties.
The Joint List responded with a harsh statement. A prime minister of bloodshed and crimes is in a state of total hysteria, the bloc said.
There is no other explanation for his speech today, with its madness, incitement, racism and hatred, the statement added. The alliance pledged to act swiftly on its voters’ demand to oust Netanyahu, the Knesset speaker and their government.
The bloc promised to consign the leadership to the dustbin of history. United Arab List leader Mansour Abbas also condemned the speech during an interview with Israel’s Channel 12.
Abbas said he was shocked that Netanyahu had used a formal occasion to incite against Arab citizens and fabricate accusations against them. He added that his party’s commitment was beyond doubt.
The tense political exchanges unfolded as Yashar party leader Gadi Eisenkot continued discussions on forming a new administration. The talks follow an inconclusive election held on October 27.
Eisenkot heads a four-party bloc holding 48 seats in the 120-member Knesset. Netanyahu’s camp currently controls 53 seats.
The Joint List and the United Arab List together hold 19 seats in parliament. Netanyahu’s opponents agree on ending his rule, but they are divided over the next government’s composition and cooperation with Arab parties.
President Isaac Herzog formally tasked Eisenkot with forming a government on Sunday. The Yashar leader now has 28 days to complete the task, with a possible extension of up to 14 days.
