Gadi Eisenkot Denies Claims of Coalition Talks with Ra'am Party

Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the "Yesh!" party, has vehemently denied claims made by the head of the Toura-Zangaria local council, Mu'id al-Hieb. Al-Hieb stated in a radio interview that Eisenkot had told a meeting of northern Bedouin local authority heads that he was in contact with the Ra'am party and intended to include them in a future government he would lead. Al-Hieb also reported Eisenkot saying he would not include Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich in his government, and that parties not recognizing Hamas as a terror organization would be excluded.

Eisenkot swiftly responded to the allegations, calling them "a lie and falsehood." He issued a statement clarifying that "the things were never said, not even by implication." He reiterated the "Yesh!" party's clear stance: "Partnership in government will only be possible with parties that adhere to the three fundamental principles known and recognized by the public: 1. Recognition of the values of the Declaration of Independence. 2. Recognition of the State of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state. 3. Service for all." Eisenkot further emphasized that parties unwilling to recognize Hamas as a terror organization that Israel must destroy would not be part of any government he forms.