Gadi Eisenkot Rules Out Arab Party in Future Government

Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the "Yishai!" party, stated in a television interview that the United Arab List, led by Mansour Abbas, will not be part of any future government he forms. Eisenkot aims to make his party the largest within its political bloc, targeting 63 to 65 Knesset seats. He believes this success would lead partners like Naftali Bennett and Avigdor Lieberman to recommend him for prime minister, asserting that "the street's vote will decide the scene."

Eisenkot outlined four non-negotiable conditions for coalition partners: maintaining a Jewish-democratic state, adhering to the Declaration of Independence, enforcing mandatory conscription, and recognizing Hamas as a terrorist organization. He explicitly stated that no Arab or Haredi party currently meets these conditions, including Abbas's party, thus excluding them from his potential government.

He also introduced a "code of ethics" for his party's Knesset members, requiring immediate resignation if they violate party decisions or electoral promises, aiming to combat political defections. Eisenkot criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling him out of touch and responsible for fostering a culture of lies. He accused Netanyahu of ignoring serious security warnings before the October 7th attack, including a direct message from Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar in mid-September.

Furthermore, Eisenkot condemned the previous government's policy of allowing Qatari funds to reach Hamas, deeming it a "betrayal" given Netanyahu's awareness of the funds reaching the military wing. He revealed proposals for extensive operations against Hezbollah, including planting explosives, which Netanyahu allegedly rejected to prolong the war for political gain.

Eisenkot concluded by rejecting the two-state solution as currently unrealistic and not accounting for the conflict's depth. He emphasized that the upcoming elections will determine the nature of the state, which he believes should be "Jewish, liberal, and strong."