Eisenkot Challenges Netanyahu to Live TV Debate Before Election

Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the Yisrael party, has formally invited Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to a live televised debate, scheduled to take place 23 days before the upcoming elections. Eisenkot proposed that the debate be broadcast across all Israeli media channels, with the format and rules to be agreed upon by both candidates' campaign teams.

In his official letter, Eisenkot emphasized the critical juncture Israel faces, calling the upcoming election "the most fateful in Israel's history" and a "critical crossroads for the security and future of the State of Israel." He linked the debate invitation to the national memorial day for the October 7th massacre, stating that on October 27th, three years after the "most severe failure in Israel's history," the Israeli people will choose their leader.

Eisenkot criticized Netanyahu's refusal to establish an inquiry commission and release full protocols related to the October 7th events, arguing that this damages public trust and endangers Israel against future disasters. He asserted that a leader seeking to govern has a duty to provide "full, direct, and honest answers to the voters."

Eisenkot stated that the debate would allow both candidates to respond extensively and would be aired by all media outlets. Moderators would be chosen by news channel editors, and discussion rules, time allocation, and question methods would be coordinated with campaign representatives. Eisenkot expressed readiness for the debate immediately and offered to meet to finalize the details.

He concluded by stating that on the eve of the October 7th memorial day, after the heavy price paid by the nation, the public deserves clear and full answers, free from spin and lies.