Unfit To Remain In Office: Eisenkot Takes On Netanyahu, Pushes For Emergency Government In Israel

Former Israeli military chief Gadi Eisenkot has declared caretaker Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu unfit to remain in office, accusing him of delivering a divisive, hate-filled speech during the swearing-in of the 26th Knesset. Eisenkot has renewed his pledge to form a national emergency government, escalating the political confrontation following Israel's October 27 election.

In a post on X on Tuesday, November 10, the Yashar party chairman accused Netanyahu of exploiting the parliamentary ceremony to deepen divisions rather than unite the country.

“I sat and listened to the delusional, divisive, hate-filled and shameful speech of the outgoing prime minister,” Eisenkot wrote, adding that Netanyahu was unfit to remain in office for even one more minute.

Netanyahu had called for a national unity government, citing the growing threat from Iran and warning that Israel could face international pressure to accept a nuclear-armed Iran. He also accused the Arab-led Joint List and Ra'am of seeking the destruction of the Jewish state, arguing that a broad political alliance was necessary to confront security challenges.

Following the speech, Eisenkot cancelled a scheduled coalition negotiating meeting with Netanyahu's Likud party, which had been planned for Wednesday. His party said Netanyahu's remarks demonstrated that he did not genuinely want unity. Meanwhile, Democrats leader Yair Golan accused Netanyahu of inciting against Arab citizens to retain power.

The 120-member Knesset was sworn in with neither camp securing a majority. Netanyahu's Likud-led alliance holds 53 seats, Eisenkot's bloc has 48, while Arab-led parties control 19 seats.

President Isaac Herzog, who tasked Eisenkot with forming the government on November 8, urged lawmakers to compromise and avoid another election. Eisenkot has until December 6, with a possible extension until December 20, to secure a coalition. His options include Arab-party support, ultra-Orthodox factions or a unity arrangement, although the latter remains difficult.

Meanwhile, Eisenkot's allies have proposed an October 7, 2023, Hamas attack inquiry, prime ministerial term limits and reversing Netanyahu's judicial overhaul. They are also seeking changes to Knesset leadership, including nominating Yashar's Matan Kahana as parliamentary speaker.