Let Netanyahu Froth at the Mouth About Arabs. It Helps Seal His Downfall

Live updates

1. 9m ago

   Netanyahu attacks Arab parties as Knesset convenes and Eisenkot begins coalition talks

   Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the newly sworn-in Knesset with fiery rhetoric, calling Arab parties enemies of the Jewish state and saying they must not join a government. Benny Gantz's rival, former defense minister Benny Eisenkot, has begun coalition-building after the 2026 election, while Netanyahu faces public taunts and heckling. The prime minister also called for a unity government, drawing a sharp rebuke from Eisenkot, who called him delusional and an outgoing premier. The political future of Israel's governing coalition remains unresolved as competing blocs maneuver for power after the vote.

   Why it matters

   The 2026 Israeli election produced a fragmented result that left coalition formation in the hands of several party leaders. Netanyahu's exclusionary language toward Arab parties signals his effort to consolidate right-wing support and block those parties from any governing arrangement. Eisenkot's coalition-building initiative positions him as the central alternative figure attempting to assemble a government without Netanyahu. The Knesset's swearing-in ceremony featured visible disruption, with lawmakers heckling Netanyahu during his address, reflecting deep partisan divisions. Whether Eisenkot can secure enough support to replace Netanyahu, or whether Netanyahu can rebuild a majority, remains the core uncertainty.

   What is confirmed

   • Netanyahu said Arab parties seek to destroy the Jewish state and must not be part of a government.
   • Eisenkot began the coalition-building process after the 2026 election.
   • Netanyahu's Knesset speech was met with taunts and heckling during the swearing-in ceremony.
   • Eisenkot called Netanyahu delusional and an outgoing prime minister after Netanyahu's unity call.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Netanyahu's rhetoric about Arab parties will directly cause his political downfall.
   • Eisenkot will successfully form a coalition that excludes Netanyahu.

   What to watch next

   • Whether Eisenkot secures enough party support to form a governing coalition
   • Whether Netanyahu can rebuild a majority government despite Arab party exclusion
   • The timing of a Knesset vote on a new government or possible new elections
   Sources used for this update (5)

   1. Haaretz — Let Netanyahu Froth at the Mouth About Arabs. It Helps Seal His Downfall
   2. ABC News & Headlines – Australian Broadcasting Corporation — Taunts, heckling and fiery Netanyahu speech as Israel's Knesset sworn in
   3. The Jerusalem Post — Israel Election 2026 live updates: Eisenkot begins coalition building process
   4. NDTV — After Netanyahu's "Unity" Call, Eisenkot's "Delusional, Outgoing PM" Jab
   5. The Times of Israel — Netanyahu: The Arab parties seek to destroy the Jewish state. They must not be part of a government
   confidence 82%