Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in his address to the Knesset on Tuesday that Iran is working to renew its nuclear threat, and that "the only way to permanently remove this existential threat is through the downfall of the Ayatollah regime."

Netanyahu also warned that Israel will imminently face international pressure to accept Iran as a nuclear power and "to tolerate the terrifying regime seeking its destruction."

The prime minister also added that Israel can be expected to be pressured to "retreat from its monumental achievements and from the major progress made regarding security zones."

He pushed for Knesset members to set aside other priorities and considerations in order to form a national unity government, insisting that only such a government is capable of facing such challenges.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyhau speaks at the Knesset following the swearing-in of the 26th Knesset, in Jerusalem, November 10, 2026
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyhau speaks at the Knesset following the swearing-in of the 26th Knesset, in Jerusalem, November 10, 2026 (credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM/THE JERUSALEM POST)

Netanyahu's speech was interrupted by former prime minister and B'Yachad MK Naftali Bennett, who shouted at him, "What about your Qatari advisers? What about investigating October 7?"

Bennett's remarks drew an inaudible response from Netanyahu's wife, Sara, and son, Yair, who were in attendance.

Eisenkot urges for emergency government, calls Netanyahu address 'shameful'

Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the Yashar party, called the speech "delusional, divisive, hate-filled, and shameful," and accused Netanyahu of abusing his platform at the 26th Knesset swear-in.

Eisenkot added that the address further convinced him that the prime minister must be replaced and is "unfit to remain in office for even one more minute."

He urged the Knesset to establish a national emergency government, claiming that Netanyahu's rule jeopardizes the security of the state.