Golan Declines to Endorse Eisenkot for PM, Keeping Options Open for Bennett

Yair Golan, chairman of the Democratic Party, will not present Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, as the party's candidate for prime minister, according to a report by Kan News on Monday evening. Golan has decided not to explicitly support any candidate for prime minister at this stage of the election campaign, nor commit to recommending one. This decision is intended to keep the door open for Naftali Bennett, chairman of the Bayit Yehudi party.

This approach contrasts with Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of Yisrael Beiteinu, who frequently criticizes Golan. However, Golan maintains a positive relationship with Bennett. Several months ago, the two leaders agreed to "avoid unnecessary attacks" within their political camp, an agreement that has been upheld since.

Kan News also reported on related political developments, including frustration within the Yesh Atid party, with some claiming the campaign is being managed by Bennett's associates. A separate Kan News poll indicated that Winter and Smotrich would pass the electoral threshold, while Netanyahu's support has declined.