Eisenkot Accuses Netanyahu of Campaign Against Arabs

Yashar! party chairman Gadi Eisenkot accused caretaker Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his associates on Friday of running a campaign against Israel's Arab population for political gain. He made the accusation in a detailed social media post addressing coalition negotiations and the attacks over a possible partnership with the Arab parties.

"Arab citizens of Israel make up 21% of the general population," Eisenkot wrote. "Since the start of the election campaign, they have faced a racist and violent campaign of delegitimization fueled by the outgoing prime minister and those around him for political reasons."

He added that a prime minister is committed to all of the country's citizens. "One can disagree with the representatives of the Arab parties, one can even deeply loathe some of them, but it is not possible, not appropriate, and I will not allow an entire sector to be smeared," he wrote.

Turning to the formation of the next coalition, Eisenkot said talks with his partners in the bloc are progressing. He pledged to "turn over every stone and speak with every elected official who agrees with the four principles, with the aim of forming a stable government as soon as possible."

Eisenkot also referred to his working meeting with Netanyahu. He said the security situation requires close oversight of the government's conduct during the transition period, and declared that "the days when the outgoing government played on an empty field with ruthlessness are over."

The meeting took place on Thursday evening at the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem and lasted more than two hours. Netanyahu's military secretary, Maj. Gen. Guy Markizano, also attended. When it ended, a joint statement was issued: "The security briefing by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his military secretary, Maj. Gen. Guy Markizano, to Yashar! chairman Gadi Eisenkot has just ended. Eisenkot was updated on the security and diplomatic challenges facing the State of Israel at this time. It was agreed to continue mutual updates as needed."

The mother and her son, MK Elisaf Peretz (Photo: Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)

Eisenkot also responded to remarks by Miriam Peretz, the mother of Yashar! MK Elisaf Peretz. She recently said her son would resign from the Knesset if a government were formed that relies on Arab parties. Eisenkot noted his longstanding ties with the family and gave the lawmaker his full backing. "I embrace Miriam Peretz and I trust Elisaf. I know that he trusts me and the choices I make, and will yet make. I am not troubled by this," he said.

Miriam told the Kol Barama radio station: "He announced one thing publicly, and said that if his party sits with the Arabs he will leave the Knesset. At least he sticks to his value." She said she believes that even if her son faces difficult fundamental questions that clash with the values he was raised on, he will know how to make the right decision.

Eisenkot closed by addressing what he described as criticism and pressure on members of his faction. He asked that any complaints be directed at him alone. "It is permitted to disagree and permitted to criticize, that is part of the role of an elected official, but there is no place for incitement and threats," he said. "If anyone has a problem with the path I am charting, I am the address for that."