In furious speech demanding ‘unity government,’ Netanyahu claims Arab MKs want Israel’s destruction

Live updates

1. 1h ago

   Netanyahu Demands Unity Government Amid Knesset Outburst

   Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a furious speech in the newly sworn-in Knesset demanding a unity government while claiming that Arab members of parliament seek the destruction of the Jewish state and must be excluded from power. The fiery address triggered immediate political fallout, including Gadi Eisenkot canceling coalition talks and labeling the prime minister delusional and outgoing. Arab lawmakers noted the unprecedented ferocity of the attacks, while parliamentary proceedings also featured intense verbal clashes involving Netanyahu, his wife, and rival politicians during the session.

   Why it matters

   The tense parliamentary session coincides with the swearing in of a record number of Arab lawmakers to the Israeli parliament. Amid broader security discussions involving Iran, political rivals are clashing over the leadership and direction of the transitional government.

   What is confirmed

   • Benjamin Netanyahu demanded a unity government and claimed Arab parties seek to destroy the Jewish state.
   • Gadi Eisenkot canceled unity coalition talks with Benjamin Netanyahu following the speech.
   • A record number of Arabs were sworn in to the Israeli parliament.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Benjamin Netanyahu's wife engaged in a heated argument with an ex-prime minister in parliament.

   What to watch next

   • Developments in transitional committee control under Eisenkot's bloc
   • Further coalition talks or formal government formation announcements
   • Official security briefings concerning Iran during the transitional period
   Sources used for this update (32)

   1. www.timesofisrael.com — The Times of Israel | News from Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish ...
   2. flipboard.com — Beloved singer’s wife killed after welcoming robbery suspects with lemonade
   3. Haaretz — Let Netanyahu Froth at the Mouth About Arabs. It Helps Seal His Downfall
   4. ABC News & Headlines – Australian Broadcasting Corporation — Taunts, heckling and fiery Netanyahu speech as Israel's Knesset sworn in
   5. NDTV — After Netanyahu's "Unity" Call, Eisenkot's "Delusional, Outgoing PM" Jab
   6. The Times of Israel — Netanyahu: The Arab parties seek to destroy the Jewish state. They must not be part of a government
   7. The Times of Israel — In furious speech demanding ‘unity government,’ Netanyahu claims Arab MKs want Israel’s destruction
   8. The Jerusalem Post — Gadi Eisenkot cancels unity coaltion talks with Benjamin Netanyahu following 'divisive' speech
   9. i24NEWS — WATCH: Bennett Interrupts Netanyahu’s Knesset Toast: 'What About The Qatari Advisers?'
   10. The Jerusalem Post — Israel Election 2026 live updates
   11. The Telegraph — Record number of Arabs sworn in to Israeli parliament
   12. Haaretz — Analysis • Netanyahu's Knesset outburst was a new low. He knows he's out of ammo
   confidence 90%