Gadi Eisenkot Criticized for Failing to Unite with Naftali Bennett

Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the Yishar party, is facing severe criticism from within his own political bloc for not pursuing a joint run with Naftali Bennett, chairman of the Bayit Yehudi party. Sources within Eisenkot's party attacked him, stating, "Eisenkot is 'Gantz 2.' The only thing worse than inexperienced people who don't understand politics is people who think they do." This comes despite recent discussions between Eisenkot and Bennett about a potential joint candidacy led by Eisenkot. However, the talks stalled due to a lack of willingness from both parties under current conditions, according to a report by Yoav Krakovsky on Kan 11.

In parallel, Eisenkot and Hili Tropper, chairman of the Tzomet Israel party, agreed yesterday to run together. As part of this agreement, Shira Shapira, Elissef Peretz, and Shlomi Yahav will join their list. This morning, the party unveiled candidates placed in symbolic spots 110 to 120, including public figures, security personnel, and families of hostages and fallen soldiers. Ohad Ben Ami, released from Hamas captivity after 491 days, was placed at spot 120, with Maj. Gen. (res.) Gideon Sheffer next to him at spot 119. The top ten spots include individuals such as Shira and Eli Albag, Yoni Levy, Sapir Zohav Hemami, Hertzel Gerstein, Dan Meridor, Adina Bar-Shalom, Prof. Manuel Trachtenberg, and Col. (res.) Gideon Abbas.