New Delhi : Political tensions erupted inside Israel’s Knesset on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, as a swearing-in ceremony for newly elected lawmakers was overshadowed by a heated exchange involving Sara Netanyahu, wife of caretaker Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and opposition leader Naftali Bennett.

The confrontation unfolded during Netanyahu’s address, when he launched a sharp attack on Arab-majority political parties and accused his opponents of attempting to establish what he described as a dangerous political coalition.

Qatar Links Trigger Heated Exchange

The verbal confrontation intensified after Bennett interrupted Netanyahu’s speech and questioned his government’s security record and handling of the October 7 intelligence failures.

Bennett challenged Netanyahu over alleged Qatari influence within the Prime Minister’s Office, asking why Qatar had not been declared an enemy state and raising questions about advisers allegedly linked to Qatari interests.

Sara Netanyahu, who was watching from the visitors’ gallery, reportedly joined the exchange, shouting at Bennett and questioning his previous willingness to form political alliances with Arab parties.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Likud faction chairman Ofir Katz also entered the verbal confrontation, with Ben-Gvir taking aim at Bennett over his past political associations with the Joint List.

Eisenkot Moves Against Netanyahu’s Legacy

The political drama comes amid a major shift in Israel’s parliamentary landscape. Opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot has reportedly secured the support of 67 lawmakers and received the mandate to form the next government.

His Yashar Party has already introduced legislative proposals seeking to reverse controversial judicial overhaul measures introduced under Likud leadership and strengthen scrutiny of the intelligence and security failures surrounding the October 7 attacks.

Meanwhile, opposition lawmakers have gathered the required signatures to initiate a vote seeking the removal of Netanyahu-backed Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana.

Political Crisis Deepens

Eisenkot strongly criticised Netanyahu’s address, describing it as shameful and filled with hatred. He also cancelled a scheduled meeting with Likud representatives, declaring that Netanyahu was no longer fit to continue in office.

The dramatic confrontation highlights the deepening political divisions within Israel, as the struggle over Netanyahu’s leadership, the October 7 security failures and the formation of a new government continues to intensify.