Eisenkot Vows to Oust Netanyahu Even Without Majority

Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, stated in an interview with "Israel Hayom" that his party's plan is to ensure Netanyahu is no longer prime minister, even if they do not secure a majority of 61 Knesset seats. Eisenkot expressed a desire for a victory of 63-64 seats, which would allow for government expansion. However, he asserted that if Netanyahu achieves his goal of preventing a 61-seat Zionist majority, a transitional government headed by him must not continue.

Eisenkot emphasized the need to form a clear Zionist majority government and expand it as much as possible. He also noted the fragmentation of Netanyahu's bloc, citing the departure of Agudat Yisrael and uncertainties regarding Winter and Zelicha. Regarding the possibility of a rotation agreement with Netanyahu, Eisenkot dismissed it, stating that Netanyahu must leave office following the events of October 7th and that he sees no scenario where Netanyahu would be a partner, only an opponent to be defeated.

Eisenkot also pledged that his party would not experience defections similar to those of Silman or Chikli. He stated that any member joining with a differing worldview would be expected to resign, drawing a parallel to his own resignation from the Knesset over a political dispute with Gantz. Eisenkot presented this commitment to integrity as part of Yisrael Beiteinu's core message of promoting a different kind of political conduct.