Jerusalem:The opening session of the 26th Israeli Knesset on Tuesday was marked by intense political debates as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced opposition over the potential formation of a government with Arab party support.
According to Maan News Agency, Netanyahu strongly criticized the idea of forming a government that included support from the Joint List and the Ra'am party, asserting that these parties do not acknowledge Israel's right to exist as a Jewish state. He also cautioned ultra-Orthodox parties against joining a government led by the opposing Change camp.
During the session, former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett interrupted Netanyahu, calling for an official inquiry into the events of October 7 and questioning the involvement of advisors connected to Qatar. Knesset member Gilad Kariv also accused Netanyahu of various issues following his speech.
Meanwhile, Gadi Eisenkot, head of the Yesher party, condemned Netanyahu's address as divisive and harmful to national security, advocating for an immediate national emergency government. Yair Golan, leader of the Democratic Party, criticized Netanyahu for inciting against the Arab public and predicted the formation of a new government focused on reform and salvation.
The Change Camp is actively working to establish an alternative government, supported by the Yeshar party's collection of over 61 signatures calling for the replacement of Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana with Matan Kahana. Additionally, the party introduced legislation for an official inquiry into October 7 events, proposed limiting the prime minister's term to eight years, and sought to reverse previous judicial changes.
Conversely, Netanyahu urged the formation of a national unity government to address security challenges and anticipated international pressure regarding Iran, emphasizing the need for political unity.