Eisenkot Criticizes Bennett, Supports Lapid for PM

Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the "Yashar" party, has sharply criticized his opposition partners Naftali Bennett and Avigdor Lieberman, stating they are endangering the bloc. In a wide-ranging interview with Reshet Bet on Thursday, Eisenkot also attacked the legitimacy of Bennett's rise to prime minister, claiming Bennett "enabled manipulation in the "change government." Eisenkot asserted that Yair Lapid, who held 24 mandates at the time, should have been appointed prime minister instead of Bennett, who he claimed had only six mandates, calling such a situation undemocratic.

Eisenkot definitively closed the door on any possibility of a "swapping government" or rotation with Benjamin Netanyahu or any other candidate, expressing a principled opposition to the concept of an alternate prime minister and rotation. He argued that a prime minister should be elected for a four-year term to implement plans and advance internal and regional initiatives. Eisenkot also stated that Netanyahu, like all cabinet members on October 7th, is unfit for leadership.

In response, Yisrael Beiteinu stated that Avigdor Lieberman, their leader, has no ego and possesses experience that teaches against showing pressure. The party reiterated its commitment to forming a Zionist government without Netanyahu, Arab parties, or ultra-Orthodox parties. Yisrael Beiteinu also emphasized the need for a universal draft law without exemptions and the establishment of a state commission of inquiry as a first act. The party urged Eisenkot to clarify his post-election partners, stressing the importance of strengthening the "serving bloc" and forming a stable government.