Eisenkot Balances National Service Push with Memorial Torah Study

Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the Yisrael! party, visited the Gush Etzion settlement bloc on Thursday, emphasizing the importance of national service and strengthening settlements. He called for expanding the circle of service and enacting a state service law, stating, "There is no security without passing a state service law." Eisenkot argued that the upcoming elections are a choice "between Zionism and draft evasion" and are central to national security. He linked mandatory service to bolstering the army's ranks, reinforcing borders, and easing the burden on current soldiers, many of whom reside in settlements. Eisenkot also highlighted settlements as a vital ongoing mission for the younger generation, urging them to settle in southern and northern Israel, as well as in Judea and Samaria, within national interests and legal frameworks. He was joined by fellow Yisrael! party members Hili Tropper, Matan Kahana, and Elazar Stern, along with Yoav Horowitz, who leads the party's 100-day plan.

Later that evening, Eisenkot participated in a Torah study session in Jerusalem commemorating Anar Shapira and his son Gal Eisenkot. The event, held at the Shapira family's sukkah on the eve of Hoshana Rabbah, focused on remembrance and honoring the fallen. Rabbis Benny Lau and Malka Piatribsky led the study, which explored the significance of Jewish memory and the role of Torah study in preserving the legacy of those who are gone. The gathering brought together families, friends, and acquaintances of the deceased, united by a commitment to remember and continue their stories. Other attendees included Rabbi Yonatan Reis, Hili Tropper, Shaul Meridor, Anbar Harush Giti, Elisef Peretz, and Orit Farkash Hacohen.