Gadi Eisenkot Vows to Lead 'Change Bloc' Amidst Leadership Battle

Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the "Yashar!" party, is continuing his public campaign to establish himself as the leader of the "Change Bloc" in Israeli politics. This comes one day after the internal struggle over who will be the bloc's candidate for prime minister erupted into public confrontation.

Eisenkot participated in the "For the Druze Sons" race, an event honoring fallen Druze soldiers, where he emphasized a message of partnership and leadership. "In the face of attempts to divide us in every way, we will respond with partnership," he stated, highlighting the Druze community's integral role in Israel's national story. He stressed the need for leadership that strengthens this alliance, not one that seeks to unravel it.

This public push follows a contentious period within the bloc, marked by Eisenkot's criticism of Naftali Bennett and Avigdor Lieberman. Eisenkot attacked them for refusing to pre-determine the mechanism for selecting the bloc's prime ministerial candidate. He argued that they are harming the bloc's chances of winning by not establishing clear rules, and specifically rejected the idea of a prime minister from a party with only 8 mandates, calling on Bennett and Lieberman to "come to their senses."

Eisenkot also alluded to the previous "manipulative" government formed by Bennett and Yair Lapid after the 2021 elections, suggesting that Lapid, whose party was larger, should have served as prime minister. He stated that "this mistake should not be repeated," implying opposition to a rotation agreement that doesn't prioritize the largest party.

The dispute is not merely personal but centers on the process for determining who would attempt to form a government if the bloc wins the election. Eisenkot advocates for party strength in the ballot box to be the deciding factor, while Bennett and Lieberman have not committed to this criterion.