Gadi Eisenkot Open to Rotation Talks but Rejects Winter as Defense Minister

Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the Yisra party and prime ministerial candidate, stated in a Wednesday interview that he is in regular dialogue with all party leaders and does not rule out a rotation agreement. He emphasized that the leader of the largest party should head the coalition and that full public trust is essential for progress. Eisenkot said he would sit with the largest party leader, who has the best chance to form a government, and dismissed past political maneuvers.

Eisenkot called for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to step down, saying Netanyahu is the only one left in office and should either resign honorably or face elections. He revealed that intelligence warnings about threats were presented to Netanyahu before the October 7 war and predicted a "seismic" impact when the Shin Bet investigation into the pre-war period is published. Eisenkot claimed he warned Netanyahu of an impending catastrophe due to failures in Israeli intelligence and accused Netanyahu of fearing a state commission of inquiry.

Regarding coalition partners, Eisenkot said he would not partner with Shas or United Torah Judaism if they reject his principles. On the Palestinian state issue, he opposed its establishment, contrasting with Netanyahu's past calls for two states, calling the idea unrealistic under current circumstances. Eisenkot also rejected the candidacy of retired Brigadier General Ofer Winter as defense minister, stating Winter lacks strategic command experience despite being a good field commander. He added that his government would not evacuate legal farms in Area C.

Winter, who recently launched his new party Amcha Israel, responded critically to Eisenkot’s remarks, referencing Eisenkot’s past strategic decisions and appointments, and expressed pride in not being part of those actions.