United Arab List calls Netanyahu's speech 'hysteria' and vows to work toward his removal

Arab parties respond to Netanyahu's accusations

The United Arab List said on Tuesday that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is in a According to the Anadolu Agency, the trigger was Netanyahu's speech in which he accused the United Arab List and the United Arab List party of seeking Israel's destruction — at a time when his opponents are exploring the possibility of forming a government with the support of the Arab parties.

Statements and positions of the parties

“The prime minister of bloodshed and crimes is in a state of complete hysteria,” the United Arab List said in a statement, calling the speech a manifestation of “madness, incitement, racism and hatred.” The bloc pledged to swiftly fulfill voters' demand to remove Netanyahu, the Knesset speaker and their government, sending them “to the dustbin of history.” United Arab List leader Mansour Abbas also condemned the speech: in an interview with Israel's Channel 12, he said he was shocked that Netanyahu had used an official platform to incite against Arab citizens and fabricate accusations against them, adding that his party's commitment was beyond doubt.

Context of the coalition talks

The exchange of accusations comes amid ongoing talks by Yashar party leader Gadi Eisenkot on forming a government after the inconclusive elections of October 27. Eisenkot's four-party bloc holds 48 seats in the 120-member Knesset, compared with 53 for Netanyahu's camp; the United Arab List and the United Arab List party together hold 19 seats. Although Netanyahu's opponents agree on the need to end his rule, they remain divided over the composition of the next government and cooperation with the Arab parties. On Sunday, President Isaac Herzog formally tasked Eisenkot with forming a government: he has 28 days, with a possible 14-day extension.