Gadi Eisenkot Criticizes Rivals' 'Backroom Games' Ahead of Elections

Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the Yishar party, has sharply criticized Naftali Bennett, leader of HaYachad, and Avigdor Lieberman, head of Yisrael Beiteinu, following a recent meeting between the two politicians. Eisenkot accused them of engaging in "backroom games" concerning the candidacy for prime minister, calling it "old politics of tricks" that is unacceptable. He stated in a radio interview on Thursday, September 17, that Bennett and Lieberman are making a mistake by not establishing clear rules for selecting a single opposition bloc candidate, thereby reducing their chances of victory. Eisenkot urged them to present their experience and proposals to voters, while emphasizing his own focus on leadership, decisiveness, and uniting Israeli society. He stressed that voters should make the final decision and rejected the possibility of a prime ministerial rotation, arguing that a leader needs a four-year term to implement their agenda. Eisenkot also noted that the opposition bloc is better organized than before, despite his party, Yishar, having to sign a residual votes agreement with Democrats after Bennett and Lieberman did the same.

In response, Yisrael Beiteinu stated that Lieberman possesses experience and is not nervous during the campaign. The party reiterated its goal of forming a Zionist government without Benjamin Netanyahu, Arab, or ultra-Orthodox parties, which would enact a law for universal conscription and establish a state commission to investigate the events of October 7. They also hinted that Eisenkot might rely on the support of the Ra'am party, urging him to clarify his potential coalition partners. A senior figure from the "change bloc" criticized Eisenkot's strategy of aiming for Yishar to be the largest opposition party, warning it could lead to the entire bloc remaining in opposition, citing Yair Lapid's similar strategy in previous elections.

Meanwhile, Yair Golan, chairman of the Democrats, called for allies to cease infighting and focus on winning, emphasizing the need to unite against the current government. He noted that all bloc parties would eventually recommend a single prime ministerial candidate to the president and urged cooperation. Eisenkot also criticized Ofer Vinter, chairman of the Amcha Yisrael party, for his contradictory positions and unclear political alignment. Eisenkot recalled promoting Vinter to brigadier general and noted that Vinter, along with Maj. Gen. (res.) Yitzhak Brick, had warned Netanyahu about potential heavy casualties in Gaza before the October 7 ground operation. Eisenkot recounted telling Netanyahu he trusted IDF soldiers and that a ground maneuver was necessary for Israel's future in the region, while also mentioning that Vinter was reportedly spreading fear among brigade commanders about casualties.

Amcha Yisrael responded by stating there is an ideological chasm between Eisenkot's concept of restraint and Vinter's concept of victory. They claimed Vinter was correct in advocating for a blockade and strategic approach to the Gaza entry, arguing that the IDF's initial plans were flawed and that the General Staff Eisenkot helped form was responsible for the failures on October 7. The party framed the upcoming election as a choice between Eisenkot and Golan in a government with Mansour Abbas, or Ofer Vinter.