Netanyahu Accuses Arab Lawmakers of Seeking Israel's Destruction in Knesset Address

Caretaker Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a forceful address to the newly sworn in Knesset on Tuesday, November 10, 2026. While ostensibly calling for a national unity government, the leader launched a sharp critique of the Arab political parties. He accused these groups of seeking the destruction of Israel and warned his political rivals against relying on their support to form a new administration.

The speech comes after Netanyahu lost his parliamentary majority in last month's elections. President Isaac Herzog subsequently granted Gadi Eisenkot of the Yashar party the mandate to form a government. Netanyahu has continued a campaign to delegitimize Arab parties, portraying them as supporters of terrorism in an effort to hinder Eisenkot's coalition building efforts.

During his remarks, Netanyahu highlighted the ongoing threat from Iran. He stated that despite two wars and the stalling of the Iranian nuclear program, Tehran is working to renew its efforts. He argued that the only permanent solution to this existential threat is the removal of the current regime in Iran. He also cited achievements since the October 7, 2023, Hamas led massacre, claiming that Israel has changed the face of the Middle East.

Netanyahu proposed that the country set aside other considerations to form a national unity government, arguing that only such a broad coalition could handle the current challenges. However, he attacked opponents for considering coalitions with Arab lawmakers, branding them as supporters of terror and haters of Israel. He referenced a recent interview where Ra'am MK Yasser Hujirat described Hamas as a charitable organization, a comment Hujirat later clarified was edited in a distorted manner.

The prime minister rejected distinctions between Ra'am and the Joint List, claiming both agree on the need to destroy the Jewish state. He suggested their only difference lies in the type of Palestinian state that would replace it, whether Islamic or nationalist. This rhetoric emerged as Eisenkot works to translate the 67 seat anti Netanyahu bloc into a governing coalition, with Arab party cooperation remaining a central point of contention among prospective partners.

Opposition lawmakers interrupted Netanyahu throughout the speech, demanding answers regarding his aides' suspected ties to Qatar and his refusal to establish a state commission of inquiry into the October 7 attacks. Naftali Bennett, chair of the B'Yachad party, shouted questions about Qatar and the commission. Bennett was also seen arguing with Netanyahu's wife, Sara, during the session.

Members of the Democrats party walked out in protest, with MK Gilad Kariv shouting questions about Qatari funds. Netanyahu has pursued a policy of facilitating Qatari funds to Gaza, and his adviser Jonatan Urich recently admitted to receiving payments for work connected to Qatar that continued after the October 7 attack. The prime minister has also maintained that he has never accepted direct responsibility for the failures surrounding that day.

In a warning to ultra Orthodox lawmakers, Netanyahu told Haredi brothers not to trust the bloc trying to unseat him. He argued that Israel's Jewish identity was at stake and that a narrow government led by Eisenkot must not rise. He promised to pass legislation regarding the conscription of Torah students by broad consensus, a goal he has promised for over a decade.

Eisenkot responded to the speech by calling it hate filled and delusional, stating it proved Netanyahu was unfit for office. He pledged to establish a national emergency government, arguing that Netanyahu's rule divides Israel. The Joint List also issued a statement, describing the speech as racist and inciting, and vowed to work to remove Netanyahu from power as soon as possible.

Netanyahu's bloc holds 53 seats, while the opposition holds 67. However, the path to a coalition remains unclear as three Jewish led opposition parties have refused to partner with Arab parties. It is also uncertain whether Eisenkot can secure a partnership with United Torah Judaism, which rejects his principle of mandatory national service for all citizens.