Smotrich Accuses Gantz Ally Eisenkot of Secret Deal with Arab Party

Bezalel Smotrich, leader of the Religious Zionism party and Israel's Finance Minister, launched a sharp attack on Gadi Eisenkot, a senior figure in the National Unity party and former IDF chief of staff. Smotrich's criticism followed a claim by the head of the local council of Tuba-Zangaria, who alleged that Eisenkot promised leaders of Bedouin municipalities that he would bring the Ra'am party into the next government.

"The truth that Gadi Eisenkot is trying so hard to hide has leaked out," Smotrich stated. He accused Eisenkot of making private assurances to Bedouin leaders about forming a government with Ra'am and its leader, Mansour Abbas, while publicly presenting himself as a right-wing figure. Smotrich asserted that Eisenkot would ultimately form a "dangerous left-wing government" with the support of Yair Golan and Mansour Abbas.

Smotrich warned that such a government would be detrimental to national security, settlement efforts, the Negev and Galilee regions, and the Jewish identity of Israel. He concluded by urging voters to strengthen his Religious Zionism party, claiming that only a large and strong Religious Zionism could prevent the establishment of what he described as a dangerous left-wing government led by Eisenkot.