Coalition Partners Slam Gadi Eisenkot for 'Hypocritical' Campaign Tactics

Senior figures within the "Change Bloc" coalition have sharply criticized Gadi Eisenkot, the chairman of the Yisrael Beiteinu 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 electoral prospects and diminish its overall strength. The critics allege that Eisenkot is engaging in an internal bloc struggle, aiming to grow his party at the expense of his allies rather than attracting undecided voters from outside the bloc.

These coalition members expressed dismay at what they called Eisenkot's "hypocritical" behavior. They pointed to his party's composition, which includes figures with unclear loyalties to the bloc and a perceived shift away from centrist-left values, while simultaneously pursuing a campaign strategy that appears designed to absorb votes from existing bloc parties. This tactic, they argue, mirrors the campaign style often associated with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and could potentially weaken, rather than strengthen, the opposition.

In response, Yisrael Beiteinu stated that the "Change Bloc" is well-prepared with four parties, a situation they described as unprecedented and without the threat of smaller parties siphoning votes. The party reiterated its commitment to the shared goal of replacing the government formed after October 7th and establishing a Zionist, state-oriented government to unite Israel.

Eisenkot, meanwhile, presented his party's list for the 26th Knesset, emphasizing the critical nature of the upcoming election. He criticized the current government's leadership, accusing it of promoting draft evasion, mismanaging national security, and prioritizing its own survival over the nation's interests. He called for a new, unifying leadership to ensure Israel's security and well-being.