Former Israeli military chief and prime ministerial hopeful Gadi Eisenkot has sharply criticised Benjamin Netanyahu over what he described as a racist campaign targeting Palestinian citizens of Israel, calling attempts to marginalise and smear the community an anti-state act. Speaking amid a charged election atmosphere, Eisenkot, a centrist challenger to the long-serving prime minister, accused Netanyahu of deliberately inflaming sectarian tensions for political gain and warned that such rhetoric undermines the social fabric and democratic foundations of the country. His remarks mark one of the most direct confrontations between the two figures over the treatment of Israel's Palestinian minority, which makes up roughly a fifth of the population.
The intervention underscores deepening divisions in Israeli politics, where Arab citizens have increasingly become a flashpoint in campaign discourse. Eisenkot's comments are likely to resonate with centrist and left-leaning voters seeking a break from Netanyahu's polarising style, while drawing fierce pushback from right-wing allies who accuse critics of undermining national unity. Analysts say the exchange signals that the treatment of Palestinian Israelis will feature prominently in the contest to shape the country's next government. Netanyahu's office has not yet issued a formal response to the allegations.
Independent reporting synthesized from primary wires and global correspondents.