Likud slams Arab lawmakers for refusing to stand for 'Israeli' national anthem

• Lawmakers from the Likud party lashed out at the Arab representatives.

'Israeli' lawmakers from the right-wing Likud party confronted Arab members of parliament who exited the plenum and refused to stand during the singing of 'Israel's' anthem.

The incident unfolded immediately following the swearing-in ceremony for newly elected members, as the plenum rose to conclude proceedings with the national anthem and several Arab lawmakers walked out of the chamber in protest.

The walkout came during the inauguration of 'Israel’s' 26th Knesset on Tuesday, a session marked by mounting friction as opposition parties moved to consolidate their influence over parliament and challenge key posts held by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud faction.

Opening the inaugural gathering, 'Israeli' President Isaac Herzog urged lawmakers to prioritize national unity, political compromise, and institutional stability following years of deep societal polarization and recurring elections.

Yisrael Beiteinu leader Avigdor Liberman took to social media to lash out at the prospect of any political alignment with the Arab factions.

Sharing a news alert detailing the walkout of Joint List lawmakers during the anthem, Liberman pointedly addressed rival opposition parties attempting to build an alternative coalition, saying: "You want to form a government with them?"

איתם אתם רוצים להקים ממשלה? https://t.co/VY320J7BWC

— אביגדור ליברמן (@AvigdorLiberman) November 10, 2026