Gadi Eisenkot Criticizes Netanyahu, Bennett, and Lieberman on Election Strategy

Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the "Change Bloc" party, stated Thursday that he opposes any rotation government with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and criticized former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and Yisrael Beiteinu chairman Avigdor Lieberman. Eisenkot argued that Bennett and Lieberman are "harming the chances of winning" by not pre-establishing rules for selecting the bloc's candidate for prime minister.

Eisenkot also reiterated his claim that a warning was transferred to the Prime Minister's Office from the UAE prior to the October 7th attack, stating, "The office received it and did nothing." He believes this issue requires investigation by a state commission.

In an interview with Kan News, Eisenkot declared, "Rotation is not on the agenda." He elaborated that he is fundamentally opposed to the concept of an alternate prime minister, asserting that a prime minister should be elected for a four-year term to implement plans. He also stated that Netanyahu and all cabinet members serving on October 7th "are not fit to lead."

Eisenkot described Netanyahu as an "unreliable person who sees the culture of lies and manipulation as a political tool." He also recounted his impression of Netanyahu's demeanor in cabinet discussions after October 7th, saying, "When I arrived four days after October 7th to the discussion room, I was quite shocked by how I saw him. To Defense Minister Gallant's credit, he stood firm, unlike Netanyahu, who appeared panicked."

Yisrael Beiteinu responded to Eisenkot's remarks, stating, "Avigdor Lieberman has no ego and has experience, and experience teaches that one must not show pressure at any stage." The party reiterated its commitment to forming a "Zionist government, without Netanyahu, Arab parties, and the ultra-Orthodox," which would pass a conscription law and establish a state commission of inquiry. They also urged Eisenkot to "clarify clearly to the public who his partners are on the day after the elections."

Ofer Winter's "Am Israel" party also commented, claiming a "conceptual abyss" between Winter's "decisive" security approach and Eisenkot's "containment" approach. They alleged that Eisenkot would form a post-election government with Lieberman, Yair Golan, and Mansour Abbas.