Netanyahu accused of giving 'hate-filled speech' in Israeli parliament

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced accusations of delivering a "hate-filled speech" during the swearing-in of Israel's newly elected parliament on Tuesday. This occurred two weeks after Netanyahu's far-right coalition suffered a significant defeat in the elections, which saw a historic surge in voter participation from Palestinian citizens of Israel.

As the parliament convened in Jerusalem, Netanyahu initially addressed the new Knesset members about the country's impending threats, particularly Iran's nuclear program. He declared that the sole method to permanently neutralize this "existential threat" was by dismantling the regime of the Ayatollahs.

However, Netanyahu shifted his focus to the Palestinian-led parties and their allies in the Joint List alliance and Ra'am party. After praising Israeli military successes in the Palestinian territories, Syria, Lebanon, and Iran, Netanyahu directed his ire towards the newly elected members. He emphasized the necessity for Israel to "set aside every other consideration" and form a national unity government alongside his main rival, Gadi Eisenkot.