Right-Wing Activists Protest Possible Israeli-Arab Coalition in Israel

A few dozen right-wing activists gathered outside Gadi Eisenkot’s residence in Herzliya on Sunday to oppose the possibility of an Israeli-Arab coalition in Israel’s new government.

Viktor Shriki, one of the protesters, said the demonstration was intended to reject the establishment of a Palestinian state in cooperation with Arab and Muslim groups.

“We came to tell him that no state or government will be established here under or in cooperation with the Arab, Muslim, anti-Zionist society. Period,” Shriki said.

Dispute over possible coalition

The protest came as Benjamin Netanyahu warned against what he called a “dangerous government” that might include Arab parties. Netanyahu is seeking to remain Israel’s longest-serving prime minister.

Eisenkot, described as Netanyahu’s top challenger and a centrist former military chief, has left open the possibility of working with Arab parties under conditions. Those conditions include recognition of Israel as a Jewish state and recognition of Hamas as an extremist group.

Arab parties represent constituents who make up about 20% of Israel’s population, according to the source information.

Election claims

Netanyahu’s Likud party, which was leading in the vote count according to the source report, claimed that Tuesday’s election had been “stolen” by Arab parties and asked Israeli authorities to investigate.

Likud did not provide specific evidence for the allegation. The elections committee said reports of irregularities were much lower than in previous elections.

The final composition of Israel’s new government had not been established in the reported information, leaving the question of possible cooperation between Eisenkot and Arab parties unresolved.