Eisenkot Rules Out Alliance With Arab Parties Without Strict Conditions

Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the Yishai coalition, has stated that the Islamist party Ra'am cannot be part of a government he leads without meeting stringent conditions. According to Channel 12, Eisenkot emphasized that any Arab or Haredi party seeking to join a coalition must unequivocally support Israel as a Jewish and democratic state, uphold the Declaration of Independence, accept universal conscription, and recognize Hamas as a terrorist organization slated for destruction. He noted that currently, no such party, including Mansour Abbas's Ra'am, adheres to these principles.

Eisenkot is reportedly working to secure 64-65 seats for a bloc opposing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, citing internal polls indicating support from former coalition voters. He also addressed party discipline, advocating for new regulations to prevent "betrayal of voters" and citing Gideon Sa'ar's move to Netanyahu's government as an example. Eisenkot expects his party members to maintain principled stances, including his own commitment to excluding Ra'am without conditions.

The former IDF chief of staff also sharply criticized Netanyahu's handling of the conflict with Hamas and Hezbollah, asserting that the prime minister has led Israel to its "greatest catastrophe in history," referring to the October 7th invasion. Eisenkot further questioned Netanyahu's role in the transfer of Qatari funds to Hamas, suggesting either "treasonous" negligence or a severe breach of trust, and called for an investigation.

Additionally, Eisenkot reaffirmed his opposition to the establishment of a Palestinian state.