Ehtisham Qudrat: Gadi Eisenkot has accused outgoing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his political circle of fuelling a racist campaign against Arab citizens of Israel on November 13, 2026, alleging that the community has faced efforts to delegitimise it for political reasons. In a lengthy post on X, Eisenkot said Arab citizens, who account for approximately 21 per cent of Israel's population, are an integral part of the country's national identity. He also outlined his efforts to form an emergency government, promising to overcome political challenges and bring Israel back to a “safe harbor.”
Eisenkot, who received the mandate to form a government from Israel's President earlier this week, said he had approached all parliamentary factions and Knesset members who agree with his four principles, inviting them to participate in negotiations for an emergency government under his leadership.
He said discussions with potential political partners were progressing and stressed that he intended to explore every possible option to form a stable government.
"I intend to leave no stone unturned and speak with every elected official who agrees with the four principles," Eisenkot wrote, adding that establishing a government was what the current political situation demanded.
Condemns Campaign Against Arab Citizens of Israel
Eisenkot also criticised what he described as a racist and violent campaign targeting Arab citizens of Israel.
He accused Netanyahu and his political circle of fuelling efforts to delegitimise the Arab community for political reasons during the election campaign.
Stressing that Israel's prime minister represents all citizens regardless of their voting preferences, Eisenkot said Arab citizens were an integral part of the country's national identity.
He added that political disagreements with Arab party representatives should not be used to justify attacks against an entire community.
Eisenkot Calls for Security Oversight During Transition
Addressing the security situation, Eisenkot said that he had met outgoing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his military secretary on Thursday. Although he declined to disclose details of the meeting, he emphasised that Israel's security and domestic situation required close government oversight during the transition period.
He also stressed that national security should remain above political considerations and should never be used to gain political advantage.
"For me, Israel’s security comes before any other consideration and must never be used to gain political capital," he said.
Knesset Begins Parliamentary and Legislative Proceedings
Eisenkot also highlighted the work undertaken in the first three days of the 26th Knesset, saying the parliamentary majority had been put to work to advance legislative priorities.
According to him, the Knesset established the House Committee, the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee and the Finance Committee, while appointing members and beginning legislative proceedings to establish a state commission of inquiry.
He also referred to efforts to repeal laws that he said had harmed democracy, adding that the Knesset should function as an effective oversight institution.
"The Knesset will once again be the people's home. The home of all the people," Eisenkot said.
Rejects Harassment Against Yashar! Party Members
Eisenkot also addressed criticism and alleged threats directed at members of his Yashar! party and their families, particularly following Elisaf Peretz's decision to join the party.
He said he had known the Peretz family for nearly three decades and welcomed Elisaf's involvement in public service and efforts to restore the Knesset's dignity.
However, Eisenkot condemned what he described as a "venomous and ugly campaign" involving thousands of offensive messages directed at party members and their families, including bereaved families.
He said political criticism was legitimate but warned against incitement and threats.
Concluding his statement, Eisenkot said complex political weeks lay ahead but reiterated his determination to establish a government under his leadership. He also warned that attempts to undermine the government-formation process would be accompanied by political spin and misinformation.
He said he would directly communicate with the public whenever there were significant developments, without relying on intermediaries.
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