Eisenkot: Netanyahu's Knesset Speech "Incites Hatred"

Gadi Eisenkot, tasked with forming the government in Israel, described acting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech during the opening of the new Knesset on Tuesday as "shameful" and "inciting hatred."

Eisenkot said in a statement issued by his office: "I listened carefully to the misleading, divisive, hateful, and shameful speech by the outgoing prime minister who exploited an official event... for political purposes," according to "AFP."

He considered that "Netanyahu's continuation in power divides Israel and endangers its security," adding: "I am now more convinced than ever that he is unfit to remain in his position even for one minute."

On Tuesday, Netanyahu warned against forming an Israeli government based on the support of Arab parties, calling for the establishment of a national unity government to face the challenges confronting Israel.

Netanyahu said, in a speech before the Knesset, that forming a national unity government represents the option capable of facing the challenges, rejecting reliance on Arab parties in forming the government, and considering that this poses a danger to Israel.

Netanyahu accused political parties of seeking to form a government based on support from those he described as "terror supporters," rather than relying on Zionist parties, claiming that Arab parties seek to end Israel's existence and establish a Palestinian state, and do not recognize Israel's right to exist.