Coalition Partners Slam Gadi Eisenkot for 'Hypocritical' Campaign Tactics

Senior figures within the "Change Bloc" coalition have sharply criticized Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the Yisrael! party and former IDF Chief of Staff. They accuse him of deliberately targeting their voter base, a strategy they believe could endanger the bloc's unity and electoral prospects by potentially benefiting larger parties, implicitly referencing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud.

These critics allege that Eisenkot is engaging in an "internal bloc struggle" to grow his party at the expense of his allies, rather than attracting undecided voters from outside the bloc. They describe his actions as "hypocritical," pointing to his party's inclusion of figures with unclear loyalties to the bloc and its distancing from center-left sentiments, while simultaneously pursuing a campaign strategy that aims to absorb votes from existing bloc parties.

The Yisrael! party responded to the criticism, stating they are proud of the bloc's current four-party structure, which they deem optimal. They affirmed their commitment to working towards replacing the government formed after the October 7th attacks and establishing a Zionist, state-oriented government that will unite Israel.

Eisenkot, meanwhile, presented his party's list for the 26th Knesset, which includes former senior officials. At the event, he characterized the upcoming election as crucial for Israel's future, criticizing the current government for promoting "shameless draft evasion" and mismanaging national security. He argued that the government's sole focus is survival, leading to political stagnation and chaos, and called for a new, unifying leadership.

The criticism from within the Change Bloc comes earlier than typically seen in election cycles, suggesting significant internal friction. Eisenkot's campaign rhetoric emphasizes security and contrasts it with the current government's perceived failures, framing the election as a choice between continued insecurity and genuine safety.