Ex-IDF Chief Eisenkot Challenges Netanyahu, Outlines Vision for Israel
Gadi Eisenkot, former IDF Chief of Staff and leader of the Yashar party, has declared his ambition to replace Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and form a government of Zionist parties opposed to the current coalition. In his first extensive interview with an English-language media outlet during the election campaign, speaking to The Jerusalem Post, Eisenkot presented his vision for Israel. Recent polls suggest Yashar could secure 23 seats, surpassing Netanyahu's Likud party, which is projected to win 20 seats. Eisenkot also slightly leads Netanyahu in polls for the most suitable leader, though within the margin of error.
Eisenkot firmly rejected any notion of treason being responsible for the October 7, 2023 attacks, instead citing "deep negligence, arrogance, contempt, and a lack of professionalism" at both military and political levels. If elected Prime Minister, he pledged to establish a state commission of inquiry to investigate decisions made in the decade preceding the massacre. He shared that the loss of his son Gal and two nephews in the war fuels his political commitment.
He ruled out coalitions with Ra'am or the Joint List, stating he doesn't foresee any Arab party accepting his core principles: recognizing Israel as a Jewish and democratic state, respecting the Declaration of Independence, and mandating national service. He also insists on designating Hamas as a terrorist organization to be dismantled. Eisenkot aims to unite the opposition bloc, potentially reaching 63 or 64 seats with parties led by Naftali Bennett, Avigdor Liberman, and Yair Golan. He opposes a rotation in the Prime Minister's office, asserting the leader of the largest bloc party should hold the position.
Regarding Ofer Winter, Eisenkot found his support for Netanyahu contradictory to his call for a conscription law and does not envision him in a future coalition. He criticized Netanyahu's delegation of powers to Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben Gvir in the West Bank, vowing to return the Civil Administration under military coordination and place police activities in the region under IDF Central Command. He also plans to reinstate administrative orders against violent settlers targeting Palestinians, arguing their actions harm Israel and the settlement enterprise.
Eisenkot identified Iran as his primary strategic concern, fearing Tehran could accelerate its nuclear program. He believes Israel has not fully achieved its war objectives, with only the return of hostages being accomplished, an objective he personally pushed for early in the conflict. He also emphasized strengthening ties with the United States, deeming them crucial for Israeli security, and confirmed contact with U.S. officials.
His platform includes mandatory national service for all citizens, with Haredim serving in the military and Arab citizens performing national service, while expanding Bedouin enlistment. He proposed a limited exemption for 3% of Haredim to allow top Torah scholars to continue their studies. Public benefits for those refusing service would be cut, while benefits for soldiers and reservists would increase. Eisenkot also wants to condition public funding for schools on the teaching of core subjects like math and English. He summarized his motivation as a "mission" stemming from his military experience, the October 7 attacks, and personal losses, aiming to "bring change and repair."
