Eisenkot Challenges Netanyahu to Televised Debate

Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, has invited Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to a televised debate less than a month before the elections. Eisenkot stated at his party's rally in Ramat Gan that he is willing to hold the debate on any channel and in any format Netanyahu chooses, calling it a "correct move for Israeli democracy." Eisenkot emphasized that this is not just a statement, as his field campaign manager has sent a letter to Netanyahu's field campaign manager formally extending the invitation. Eisenkot declared he would allow Netanyahu to set the terms, including the rules and location, and that this would be reminded to the Israeli public daily. He added, "I know what I bring." The invitation, sent on the eve of the memorial day for the October 7th massacre, stated that a leader seeking to govern must provide full, direct, and honest answers to voters, especially after the heavy price paid by the Israeli people. Eisenkot also discussed his party, Yisrael Beiteinu, which he founded a year ago with six people, aiming to present an "Israeli story" and "excellent people." He stated the current goal is to "defeat Netanyahu and his bloc" in three weeks. Citing recent polls, Eisenkot claimed Yisrael Beiteinu is in first place, ahead of the Likud. He also mentioned that a Haredi Knesset member approached him on behalf of elements within that sector, saying, "Gadi, we are done with the alliance with Netanyahu. Tell us what you offer us." This is not the first time Eisenkot has called for a public debate with Netanyahu.