Eisenkot accuses Netanyahu of conducting racist campaign against Arab minority

Gadi Eisenkot, the leader of the Yashar! party, accused outgoing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of fueling a racist and violent campaign against Arab citizens on November 14, 2026. The accusations came as Eisenkot performs the role of opposition leader tasked with forming the next Israeli government. Eisenkot stated that Arab citizens constitute 21% of the total population in Israel.

Government formation challenges

The Israeli legislative elections were held on October 27, 2026. Although the Likud party won the elections, the pro-Netanyahu bloc failed to secure an absolute majority in the Knesset. The Knesset consists of 120 members, meaning a bloc requires 61 deputies to control the chamber. Following the election results, Eisenkot finished second and received more recommendations during consultations with President Isaac Herzog to form a new government.

The political landscape remains divided among various factions. Two Arab-majority parties, Raam and the Joint List, hold a combined total of 19 seats in the Knesset. Eisenkot addressed the social implications of the current political discourse, stating that it is legitimate to disagree with Arab party representatives, but it is not legitimate to defame an entire community.

Political and security tensions

Benjamin Netanyahu has advocated for the creation of a national unity government to counter the threat from Iran. The outgoing Prime Minister opposed the formation of an executive government that includes supporters of terrorism. The current political instability follows social divisions that worsened after the Hamas attacks on Israeli territory on October 7, 2023.

Eisenkot met with Benjamin Netanyahu on November 13, 2026, though the specific details of the meeting were not disclosed. Prior to this meeting, Eisenkot requested via letter that Benjamin Netanyahu refrain from military actions without a direct and immediate threat until a new government is formed.

Legislative context

The process of forming a government follows the recent electoral cycle where the Likud party emerged as the largest group. However, the inability to reach the 61-deputy threshold has left the country in a period of transition. The role of the President, Isaac Herzog, remains central to these consultations as the country seeks to establish a stable administration.

Glossary

• Knesset — The Knesset is the Israeli legislative chamber. It consists of 120 members.
• Likud party — The Likud party is a political party in Israel. It emerged as the largest group in the recent elections.
• Joint List — The Joint List is a political alliance of Arab-majority political parties in Israel.