Leader of the Opposition, Isaac Herzog, addressed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in his speech at the opening of the Knesset's winter session, and accused him of carrying out a "democratically-assisted coup."

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"From your first day as prime minister," said Herzog. "You lead an endless discourse of hatred and incitement. You keep legitimizing racist sentiment, fear and intimidation. It starts with hatred of the other, the Arab, and moves against artists, journalists, and finally to the court system, IDF commanders and other officials in the political system. Your voice is not heard against difficult social phenomena and moral dilemmas in Israeli society. The only conflicts you vigorously and tirelessly manage are conflicts between us, between the citizens of Israel."

Opposition Leader Isaac Herzog (Photo: Gil Yohanan)

"You are deliberately acting to silence the media, trying to psychologically influence anyone who criticizes you," added Herzog. "Every prime minister here has been hit hard, all of your predecessors were caught in the line of fire. That's the job, and not just in the goverment, mind you, but also in the opposition. Grow up. That's the arena in which we live. Your attitude toward the the IPBC reflects your attitude toward the media in general, which is an out-and-out disgrace."

The comments made by Herzog underline the tension in the Knesset Winter Session between Netanyahu's coalition government and opposition parties. In addition to Herzog's sharp words, Arab lawmakers walked out on Netanyahu's speech as a pre-emptive protest to a planned boycott of them by members of the governing coalition.

Arab lawmakers walk out during Netanyahu's speech (Photo: Gil Yohanan)

Lawmakers from the Joint List say they are protesting the coalition's plan to snub their speeches during the first week of the Knesset Winter Session, which begins Monday.

The coalition is angry that the Arab lawmakers defiantly stayed away from the funeral of late President Shimon Peres.

The Arab lawmakers say the coalition's planned snub is "anti-democratic, racist and dangerous."

The lawmakers rose from their seats as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu walked toward the dais during the opening session.