Gadi Eisenkot Ultimatum to Netanyahu Over Campaign Video

The National Unity party, led by Gadi Eisenkot, has issued a legal warning to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Likud party, demanding the immediate removal of a campaign video posted on Netanyahu's X account. The video, filmed at the Tel Nof Air Force base, is alleged to be an illegal use of public resources for electioneering, potentially creating an association between the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Likud party, which violates election laws.

The party's lawyers, Uri Heberman and Guy Cohen, argue that the use of the airbase and fighter jets goes beyond mere backdrop, forming a central part of the video's message. They contend that Netanyahu's use of the base to warn the public about a potential attack so close to the elections, just 28 days prior, is particularly serious.

National Unity stated that if Netanyahu possesses security information requiring a public warning, it should be delivered in a state-sanctioned, responsible manner, not as a personal social media post featuring military assets. They expressed concern that this method could cause unnecessary panic and give the impression that public fears and IDF resources are being exploited for political gain.

The party has demanded the video be removed from all accounts controlled by Netanyahu and the Likud and that it not be re-published in its current form. National Unity has warned that if the video is not removed by 9 PM, they will consider approaching the Central Elections Committee chairman for an injunction and costs without further notice.