Eisenkot backs Elisaf Peretz amid coalition row as he calls out 'racist anti-Arab campaign'

Yashar chairman MK Gadi Eisenkot addressed the situation with Israel Prize laureate Miriam Peretz, the mother of Yashar MK Elisaf Peretz, who said that his son would leave the government if a coalition were formed with the Arab parties, and also addressed the current negotiations with the Arab sector.

"I have known the Peretz family personally and deeply for nearly 30 years. Sadly, I met them under painful and difficult circumstances twice, but I was blessed with a lifelong bond with a family that exemplifies love for the people and the land," Eisenkot said in a message shared before Shabbat.

"I embrace Miriam Peretz, and I trust Elisaf. I know he trusts me and the choices I make, and will continue to make. I am not troubled by that. What troubles me is the venomous and ugly campaign underway these days, which includes thousands of harsh and offensive messages to some Yashar Knesset members and their families," he added.

He also said that "if someone has a problem with the path I am charting, I am the person to address. Anyone who thinks that various emissaries and poison will deter us probably does not know us well enough."

The comments came after Peretz said, "If my son's party sits with an Arab party, he will leave the Knesset. Under no circumstances will an Arab party be allowed to decide whether to go into battle."

"Pressure is being exerted even these days. People are writing to me and to him and taking action in ways I will not detail. One day, these things will come to light," she added after being asked whether her son would defect from the party.

Just two days earlier, at her son's swearing-in ceremony at the Knesset, Peretz had struck a different tone, emphasizing the importance of unity and working on behalf of all Israeli citizens.

Eisenkot warns of racist campaign against Arabs

Eisenkot also addressed the situation with Arab Israelis, saying that they have been victims of a "racist and violent campaign of delegitimization fueled by the outgoing prime minister and his circle for political reasons."

"The prime minister of Israel is the prime minister of all citizens, including those who did not vote for him. Arab citizens of Israel are part of the Israeli story. The attempt to marginalize them and smear them as a group is an anti-state act that disgraces the Declaration of Independence and the values we take pride in as a Jewish and democratic state," he said.

He added that even if someone can disagree with statements or actions by the Arab parties and their leaders, and even "feel deep revulsion toward some of them," it cannot allow an entire sector to be slandered.

Complex, important weeks ahead, Eisenkot warns

Eisekot also warned of "complex and important weeks ahead," saying that he is "determined to overcome every difficulty and challenge in order to form a government and bring Israel back to safe harbor."

He also said that he met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the military secretary to discuss the security situation, saying that he couldn't go into detail about what was discussed but that "the security situation, as well as the domestic situation, requires close oversight of the government during this sensitive transition period."

"I made it clear that I would not allow a lack of oversight. For me, Israel’s security comes before any other consideration and must never be used to gain political capital. This is also what I expect of everyone in office," he added.

He also said that he intends to "leave no stone unturned and speak with every elected official who agrees with the four principles, with the aim of forming a stable government as soon as possible. This is what the moment demands, and this is the mandate you have given me. It would be a grave mistake not to do so."