Barghouti Urges Netanyahu’s Removal as Arab Parties Become Kingmakers in Israel

Palestinian National Initiative leader Mustafa Barghouti called for the ouster of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, arguing that his removal is the most urgent step for Palestinian interests. Barghouti said the new Israeli government, likely to be led by Gadi Eisenkot, must rely on the Joint List and United Arab List (Ra’am)—the Arab parties that together secured a record 19 seats in the 120-member Knesset. Their support, he argued, is essential for any coalition that can out-vote Netanyahu’s bloc.

Euronews

The recent election left the centrist Yashar opposition short of a majority, while most Zionist parties—including Eisenkot’s Yashar, B’Yachad, Yisrael Beytenu, and the Democrats—pre-stated they would not cooperate with Arab parties. Arab parties represent roughly 21 % of Israel’s population (about 2 million citizens). Barghouti noted that the broader Palestinian electorate—5 million non-citizen Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza—supports ending the Gaza war, halting settlement expansion, and a two-state solution. A United Nations report cited by the interview indicates there are more than 400 settlements and outposts, all deemed illegal under international law, with activity surging over the past two years.

Euronews

He further asserted that all Zionist parties, whether in government or opposition, share a stance that rejects Palestinian rights and a viable two-state solution.

Euronews

In response, Eisenkot announced his intent to form a “Zionist government,” signaling a willingness to negotiate but also hinting at the need to abandon prior campaign pledges to secure Arab party backing. President Isaac Herzog is set to consult party leaders and task the candidate most likely to assemble a coalition. The designated leader will have up to 28 days (with a possible 14-day extension) to form a government; a second attempt would follow the same timeline, after which a third candidate could receive 14 days. Failure at all stages would trigger a new election, as occurred repeatedly between 2019 and 2022.

Euronews

• “Netanyahu has been responsible not only for slaughtering Palestinians in Gaza and for enhancing ethnic cleansing in the West Bank, but [also] for creating wars with Lebanon, with Syria, threatening Jordan, and trying to impose Israel as an imperial force controlling the Middle East,” — Mustafa Barghouti

Euronews

• “All Zionist parties in Israel, whether in government with Netanyahu or in opposition, share the same views of rejecting Palestinian rights, including a Palestinian state, right of the Palestinians to self-determination, the idea of ending the Israeli illegal occupation,” — Mustafa Barghouti

Euronews

The coming weeks will focus on Herzog’s consultations and Eisenkot’s coalition talks. If Eisenkot succeeds within the allotted period, a new government could be sworn in, potentially reshaping Israel’s approach to the Gaza conflict and settlement policy. Conversely, any deadlock will extend the political stalemate and may lead to another election, prolonging uncertainty for both Israeli and Palestinian communities.

Euronews