There was political tension after the opening ceremony of the 26th Knesset (Parliament) in Israel on Tuesday, November 10.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech on the new legislative session was repeatedly interrupted by former Prime Minister and B'Yachad Party leader Naftali Bennett.
Netanyahu argued that allegations that large amounts of money were transferred from foreign countries to influence the results of the recent elections should be thoroughly investigated.
Bennett asked Netanyahu why there was no investigation into the Al-Aqsa Flood attacks led by Hamas on October 7, 2023.
Speaking during Netanyahu's statements regarding allegations of foreign interference in the elections, Bennett reacted by saying, "Mr. Prime Minister, what about the October 7 investigation? Talk about it."
Bennett criticized the Netanyahu government's stance on establishing an independent state investigation commission into the October 7 attacks.
Netanyahu, on the other hand, stated that allegations of foreign intervention aimed at influencing the election results should be investigated to the fullest and asked for the removal of legal restrictions on the investigation.
Far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir also reacted to former Prime Minister Bennett's words.
Ben-Gvir responded by pointing out Bennett's possible cooperation with Arab political parties.
"WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO YOUR CONSULTANTS WHO RECEIVE SALARY FROM QATAR?"
During the discussion, Bennett also brought up allegations regarding the connections of members of Netanyahu's inner circle with Qatar.
Drawing attention to allegations that some of the Prime Minister's advisors received payments from Qatar during the war, Bennett asked Netanyahu the following questions:
"What about your advisors who received salaries from Qatar during the war? Do you find this acceptable? Why don't you declare Qatar as an enemy state?"
Bennett's outburst comes against Netanyahu's call to investigate allegations of foreign financing in the election.
In the news in the Israeli press, it was stated that allegations that some of Netanyahu's advisors were involved in activities supporting Qatar's interests had caused political debates before.
SARA NETANYAHU ALSO JOINED THE DISCUSSION
The tension in the parliament grew when Netanyahu's wife, Sara Netanyahu, also joined the discussion.
In the images reflected in the Israeli press, it was seen that Sara Netanyahu, who was watching the speech, responded to Bennett by calling out to him from her section.
While there was a verbal argument between Bennett and Sara Netanyahu, other MPs in the hall also reacted to each other.
Democratic Party leader Yair Golan left the hall protesting Netanyahu's statements.
Member of Parliament from the same party, Gilad Kariv, accused Netanyahu of making provocative statements and argued that a national unity government could not be formed under his leadership.
NETANYAHU'S CALL FOR REGIME CHANGE TOWARDS IRAN
In his speech, Netanyahu pointed out the security threats his country faces, claiming that Iran is trying to redevelop its nuclear program.
Arguing that the Tehran administration continues its nuclear activities despite Israel's military attacks, Netanyahu said that the administration in Iran should be changed.
Netanyahu said, "The only way to permanently eliminate this existential threat is to overthrow the ayatollahs regime in Iran."
The Israeli Prime Minister also suggested that his country may face international pressure to accept Iran's nuclear capabilities and give up its military gains in Gaza, Lebanon and the West Bank.
"WE SHOULD ESTABLISH A NATIONAL UNITY GOVERNMENT"
Netanyahu called on political parties to form a national unity government, citing the Iranian threat.
Stating that the security problems facing the country should be prevented from political disagreements, Netanyahu said:
"We must put aside all other considerations and form a government of national unity. This is the only way to overcome these great challenges."
While Netanyahu's call received applause from some MPs, it received reaction from the opposition ranks.
HE OPPOSED ARAB PARTIES TO JOIN THE GOVERNMENT
In his speech, Netanyahu also opposed a coalition government that could be formed under the leadership of former Chief of General Staff Gadi Eisenkot and rely on the support of Arab parties.
Stating that he found the formation of a government with the support of Ra'am or the Joint List unacceptable, Netanyahu claimed that these parties were against the existence of Israel as a Jewish state.
Netanyahu's words, which also targeted some Arab MPs over their attitudes towards Hamas, drew the reaction of the opposition.
Netanyahu's statements came at a time when negotiations were ongoing to form a new government after the elections.
CALL TO ULTRAORTHODOX PARTIES
In the last part of his speech, the Israeli Prime Minister also addressed the Ultraorthodox Jewish parties.
At a time when the opposition bloc led by Eisenkot was trying to gain the support of these parties in order to gain a majority in the parliament, Netanyahu argued that the interests of the Ultraorthodox parties would not be protected in a government to be formed with the opposition.
Netanyahu said that the regulations regarding the military service of students studying at religious educational institutions should be resolved in cooperation with his political alliances:
"Our common task is to regulate the status of yeshiva students and to adopt a military draft law based on broad consensus in cooperation with your religious leaders."
