Gadi Eisenkot's Last-Minute Bid to Recruit IDF Spokesperson Daniel Hagari Fails

Former IDF Chief of Staff and "Yisrael!`" party leader Gadi Eisenkot made a last-minute attempt to recruit former IDF Spokesperson Daniel Hagari to his party's Knesset list, according to a Channel 12 report. The confidential negotiations reportedly continued until just before the deadline for submitting party lists.

Hagari was intended to be the surprise political figure Eisenkot had hinted at in recent days. The two share a long-standing personal and professional relationship, with Hagari having served as Eisenkot's military aide during his tenure as chief of staff and later appointed by him to command the elite Shayetet 13 naval commando unit.

Internal polls conducted by Eisenkot indicated that both Hagari and current Minister of Culture and Sport Chili Tropper were key figures who could bring essential mandates to the party and its bloc. While Tropper was ultimately placed on the list alongside his associates, the move to bring Hagari aboard did not materialize.

Despite Eisenkot's overtures and the potential electoral benefits, Hagari maintained his position against entering politics, citing personal reasons and a desire to pursue opportunities in the private sector. Consequently, Eisenkot was forced to abandon the recruitment effort just hours before the submission deadline.

Daniel Hagari stated, "As I have previously declared, I have never had any intention of entering politics." The "Yisrael!`" party commented, "We will not provide details on private conversations."