Unfit to remain in office': Eisenkot hits out at Netanyahu over 'divisive' speech

Gadi Eisenkot called Benjamin Netanyahu unfit to remain in office, accusing him of delivering a divisive speech during the new Knesset's swearing-in. Eisenkot faces a difficult task of forming a coalition after Israel's October 27 election.

In Short

• The 120-member parliament was sworn in following the October 27 election
• Likud-led bloc secured 53 seats, while Yashar and partners hold 48
• President Isaac Herzog urged lawmakers to compromise and avoid fresh polls

Gadi Eisenkot, who is seeking to form Israel's next government, on Tuesday called caretaker Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu unfit to remain in office, accusing him of delivering a "hate-filled" and divisive speech during the swearing-in of the 26th Knesset.

In a post on X, the Yashar party chairman said Netanyahu had used the parliamentary ceremony to deepen divisions in Israel rather than bring political parties together.

"I sat and listened to the delusional, divisive, hate-filled and shameful speech of the outgoing prime minister, in which he exploited a state occasion at the swearing-in of the 26th Knesset," Eisenkot wrote.

"I became even more convinced that he is unfit to remain in office for even one minute more."

Eisenkot renewed his pledge to form a "national emergency government", arguing that Netanyahu's continued leadership was dividing Israel and putting its security at risk.

His remarks came after Netanyahu called for the formation of a national unity government during the opening session of parliament, citing growing security threats from Iran. Netanyahu accused the Arab-led Joint List and Ra'am of seeking "the destruction of the Jewish state" and said Israel needed a broad political alliance to deal with the challenges ahead.

"Only such a (unity) government will be capable of confronting challenges of this magnitude," Netanyahu said.

ISRAEL'S NEW KNESSET SWORN IN AMID POLITICAL DEADLOCK

The 120-member Knesset was sworn in on Tuesday following the October 27 general election, which left Netanyahu's right-wing alliance without a parliamentary majority. Neither Netanyahu nor his main rival, Eisenkot, has secured enough support to form a government.

Netanyahu's Likud-led alliance with far-right and ultra-Orthodox parties won 53 seats, while Eisenkot's centre-right Yashar party and its partner factions hold 48 seats. Arab-led parties control another 19 seats and have strongly opposed Netanyahu.

Israel's President Isaac Herzog, who presided over the swearing-in ceremony, urged lawmakers to avoid another election and find common ground.

"You must do everything to avoid a repeat election," Herzog told parliamentarians.

"Reach out a hand for compromise, even between rivals... Look upon one another with generosity. There is much work to be done here, and it requires the ability and experience found in every part of this House."

Herzog also called for a thorough investigation into the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks, describing the events as a "catastrophe". He said the Knesset was "duty bound to leave no stone unturned" in examining what happened.

EISENKOT FACES DIFFICULT TASK OF FORMING GOVERNMENT

Eisenkot was tasked by President Herzog on Sunday with forming the next government. He initially has until December 6 to secure a coalition and can seek a two-week extension until December 20.

However, his path to power remains uncertain. His options include forming a minority government with support from Arab parties, persuading ultra-Orthodox factions to join his coalition or negotiating a unity government with Netanyahu.

Ultra-Orthodox parties have so far ruled out joining an Eisenkot-led government.

If Eisenkot fails to form a coalition, Herzog could ask Netanyahu to make another attempt. If both leaders fail, another candidate could be given an opportunity before the country is forced into another election.

OCTOBER 7 INQUIRY AMONG PROPOSED LEGISLATION

Soon after the new parliament's opening, Eisenkot and his allies submitted several legislative proposals, including a bill to establish a state commission of inquiry into the October 7 Hamas attacks and legislation to impose term limits on the prime minister.

They also proposed repealing Netanyahu government's controversial judicial overhaul and other laws passed over the past four years.

The proposed inquiry could become a major point of confrontation between the two political camps. Arab parties have backed an investigation into the October 7 attacks, while Netanyahu has largely opposed the proposal.

Among those sworn in as lawmakers on Tuesday was Elisha Madan, a military reservist who lost both his legs while fighting in Gaza. He received a standing ovation as he stood on his prosthetic legs to take the oath of office.

- Ends