Eisenkot Secures 67 Recommendations as Tibi Blasts Netanyahu
MK Ahmad Tibi criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a media interview as political consultations concluded with Gadi Eisenkot securing 67 recommendations to form a government against Netanyahu's 46.
Ahmad Tibi, a prominent lawmaker, criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during an interview with the Saudi channel Al-Hadath on Thursday, dismissing claims of election fraud as a fabrication. Tibi stated that allegations regarding electoral manipulation are invented by Netanyahu and the head of the Shin Bet, adding that his faction is unfazed by these threats.
Coalition Negotiations and Demands
Addressing potential political arrangements, Tibi remarked on Gadi Eisenkot, noting that an Eisenkot-led government would not fulfill all Arab sector aspirations, but represented a choice between bad and worse. He outlined specific legislative goals, including halting home demolitions in Arab communities, and proposed a political safety net for Eisenkot in exchange for protections for the Arab public. Tibi asserted that the Arab community was instrumental in toppling previous right-wing administrations.
President's Consultations and Clashes
The developments follow the conclusion of consultations at the President's Residence regarding the formation of the next government. President Isaac Herzog received recommendations resulting in 67 lawmakers backing Gadi Eisenkot and 46 supporting Benjamin Netanyahu, though coalition hurdles remain significant.
During consultations at the President's Residence, a delegation including MK Ahmad Tibi, MK Ofer Cassif, and former MK Yousef Jabareen met with President Isaac Herzog. Jabareen condemned what he termed continuous incitement by the prime minister and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, drawing parallels to antisemitism. Herzog responded by questioning the stance of the Arab public following the October 7 attacks, to which Tibi replied that the entire Israeli public suffered post-trauma while Arab citizens faced arrests and incitement despite casualties sustained during the Hamas atrocities.
