Gadi Eisenkot Denies Promising Ra'am's Inclusion in Future Government

Leaders of Bedouin municipalities in northern Israel claim that Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, stated during a meeting that he was in contact with the Ra'am party and intended to include it in a future government led by him. These claims have sparked political controversy, particularly amid ongoing discussions about potential governments relying on Arab parties.

However, Yisrael Beiteinu vehemently denied these allegations, calling them "a lie and falsehood." The party issued a statement asserting that "the things were never said, not even by implication." They further clarified their stance, stating that "parties that do not recognize Hamas as a terrorist organization that the State of Israel must destroy will not be part of a government we establish." Yisrael Beiteinu also reiterated its core principles for coalition partners: recognition of the Declaration of Independence, acknowledgment of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state, and service to all.

The controversy emerged after Eisenkot met with several Bedouin municipal leaders who expressed support for him and his party. One of these leaders, the head of the Tuba-Zangariyya local council, later claimed Eisenkot had spoken of including Ra'am in his future government. In response to Yisrael Beiteinu's denial, the Tuba-Zangariyya council head clarified that while they hadn't announced support for Eisenkot, they had demanded Ra'am's inclusion, and he had promised to do so.

The "Am Israel" party, led by Ofer Vinter, also commented, linking the claims to their campaign against Eisenkot regarding security policy and the composition of future governments. They framed the issue as part of a debate between a policy of "containment" and "decisiveness" in national security.