Israeli Party to Require Resignations Over Policy Disagreements

Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the Israeli party Yisrael (Yashar), announced that his party will establish a covenant and ethical code obligating any member unable to align with the party's platform to resign from the Knesset and return their mandate. This move, reported by Channel 12 News, aims to prevent defections similar to those seen from other parties.

Eisenkot condemned the actions of former MKs Idit Silman, Amichai Chikli, and Nir Orbach, calling their departures "despicable" and something that should be "condemned in Israeli politics." He stated that such individuals were not part of his party and emphasized that if a member disagrees with a decision or the party's direction, they should submit a letter of resignation.

Eisenkot drew a parallel to his own departure from Benny Gantz's party, noting that he had given a personal example by resigning his Knesset seat when he disagreed with Gantz, despite receiving offers from other parties to remain in parliament. He mentioned that he had spoken with all 40 of the party's candidates about this principle.

"We will create a covenant in Yashar, also to set an example for other parties, and we will write what the ethical code of Yashar is," Eisenkot declared. He added that the covenant would stipulate that anyone who disagrees should not commit an act of betrayal or defection when elected by a specific population. If they feel they cannot identify with a decision or a path, they should submit their resignation.

Eisenkot recounted his own experience, stating that when he decided to part ways with Gantz, whom he considered a friend for 40 years, he informed Gantz of their disagreements, left the meeting, and then submitted his resignation to the Knesset Speaker. Matan Kahana, who joined him, did the same. Eisenkot reiterated that he had received offers from many parties that day but refused, stating, "I am returning the mandate, and I set the personal example."