Gadi Eisenkot Considered Daniel Hagari for Knesset List

Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the National Unity party, considered recruiting former IDF Spokesperson Daniel Hagari for his Knesset list until the final hours before the deadline for submitting party lists. The move was discussed in closed forums, with Hagari intended to be one of the "surprises" Eisenkot had promised.

Despite Hagari having already made a personal decision not to enter politics, he and Eisenkot discussed the possibility of his inclusion on the National Unity list until the last moment. The two share a close relationship dating back to their service in the IDF, where Hagari served as Eisenkot's personal aide during his tenure as Chief of Staff and was later appointed commander of the elite Shayetet 13 naval commando unit by Eisenkot.

Their connection was also evident during the recent war, when Hagari, as IDF Spokesperson, delivered a statement mourning the death of Eisenkot's son, Gal, who fell in combat in Gaza. According to reports, Eisenkot commissioned a poll which indicated that both Hagari and current MK Chili Tropper could add mandates to the National Unity list and the broader bloc.

While Tropper was ultimately placed on the list with his associates, Eliasaf Peretz and Shira Shapira, Hagari's potential candidacy did not materialize. Hagari cited personal reasons and a desire to continue his private business ventures as factors in his final decision not to join. This led to the possibility of his recruitment being dropped just hours before the list submission deadline.

Hagari stated in response, "As I have stated in the past, I have never had any intention of entering politics." The National Unity party commented, "We will not provide details on private conversations."