Israel Political Crisis: Eisenkot Calls Netanyahu ‘Unfit for Office’, Cancels Coalition Meeting After ‘Hateful’ Speech

Gadi Eisenkot has called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “unfit to remain in office” and cancelled a scheduled coalition negotiation meeting between his Yashar party and Netanyahu’s Likud following a controversial speech at the swearing-in ceremony of the new Knesset.

Eisenkot described Netanyahu’s address as “delusional, divisive, hateful and disgraceful”, accusing the outgoing prime minister of using a national occasion to deepen political divisions. The decision to cancel Wednesday’s meeting came as Israel faces a fresh political deadlock, with Eisenkot attempting to secure enough support to form the next government.

Eisenkot Cancels Meeting With Netanyahu’s Likud

Yashar had scheduled a meeting between its negotiating team and Likud representatives on Wednesday as part of coalition-building efforts. However, Eisenkot instructed his team to withdraw following Netanyahu’s speech and conduct during the Knesset swearing-in ceremony.

In a post on X, Eisenkot said Netanyahu’s remarks had strengthened his belief that the outgoing prime minister was no longer fit to lead the country.

“I sat and listened to the outgoing prime minister’s delusional, divisive, hateful and disgraceful speech, in which he abused a state occasion at the swearing-in of the 26th Knesset. I became even more convinced that he is unfit to remain in office for even one more minute,” Eisenkot wrote.

He called for the urgent formation of a national emergency government, arguing that Netanyahu’s continued leadership was dividing Israel and threatening its security.

Eisenkot also urged opposition leaders Yair Lapid, Yair Golan, Avigdor Liberman and Naftali Bennett to take responsibility for the country's political situation.

Yashar accused Netanyahu of prioritising his political survival over national unity, saying he repeatedly chose personal interests over the resilience of Israeli society.

Netanyahu Warns Against Coalition With Arab Parties

Netanyahu has continued to call for a national unity government, citing the security challenges facing Israel, particularly the threat posed by Iran's nuclear programme.

However, his speech at the Knesset also targeted opposition leaders for considering a government that would depend on support from Arab-majority parties.

According to the Associated Press, Netanyahu questioned whether Jewish opposition leaders were prepared to rely on Arab politicians to form a government.

“I ask you: Are you prepared to be dependent on those whose goal is the destruction of the Jewish state?” he said.

He also criticised the possibility of forming a government with the support of Ra’am and the Joint List, describing the arrangement as dangerous.

“Shame! It is forbidden to form a dangerous government with the terror supporters of Ra’am and the Joint List!” Netanyahu wrote on X.

Likud defended Netanyahu's position and criticised Yashar for cancelling the scheduled meeting. The party said the prime minister remained willing to meet representatives of any faction interested in national unity and would make every effort to achieve it.

Likud described the cancellation as puzzling, arguing that opposition parties were continuing negotiations with Arab political groups while refusing talks with Netanyahu's party.

The controversy also followed the departure of Arab lawmakers during the national anthem at the Knesset swearing-in ceremony, according to The Jerusalem Post.

Eisenkot Secures Support From 67 Lawmakers

The political confrontation comes as Eisenkot attempts to form Israel's next government after receiving the mandate from President Isaac Herzog.

His bloc has secured recommendations from representatives of 67 lawmakers, including support from Ra’am and the Joint List.

However, the election has left the 120-member Knesset without a clear majority.

Netanyahu's Likud-led faction secured 53 seats, while Eisenkot's Yashar alliance won 48. A government needs the support of at least 61 lawmakers to command a parliamentary majority.

Eisenkot has up to six weeks to form a government and end Netanyahu's tenure as Israel's longest-serving prime minister.

If he fails to secure the required support, President Herzog is expected to give Netanyahu another opportunity to form the government.

Opposition Pushes Legislative Changes in New Knesset

While coalition negotiations continue, Eisenkot's bloc has started advancing its legislative agenda in the newly sworn-in parliament.

The opposition has introduced bills seeking a government-led inquiry into Hamas' October 7, 2023, attacks, limits on the prime minister's tenure and the reversal of judicial changes introduced by Netanyahu's outgoing government.

The bloc has also initiated proceedings to replace Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, who is backed by Netanyahu. It has nominated senior Yashar member Matan Kahana for the position.

Despite the change in parliament, Netanyahu and his Cabinet remain in office during the transition.

As caretaker prime minister, Netanyahu retains authority over national security and the military, although court-imposed restrictions continue to limit some of his powers.