Eisenkot Challenges Netanyahu to Pre-Election TV Debate; Likud Scoffs

Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the Yisrael! Party, has officially invited Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to a live televised debate ahead of the upcoming Knesset elections, scheduled in about three weeks. The invitation was extended on Sunday, the eve of Israel's national memorial day for victims of the October 7th Hamas massacre. Eisenkot's letter described the upcoming elections as "the most fateful" and occurring at a critical juncture for national security and the country's future. He sharply criticized Netanyahu, asserting that the Prime Minister's refusal to establish an inquiry committee and publish full protocols undermines public trust in state institutions. Eisenkot argued that a leader has a duty to provide "full, direct, and honest answers to voters," without "spin and lies."

The Yisrael! Party proposed a debate format common in democratic countries, allowing for substantive and comprehensive answers, to be broadcast live by all media outlets. Journalists chosen by news channel editors would moderate, with rules, time allocation, and question methods to be determined by the moderators and representatives of both candidates' campaigns. Eisenkot stated readiness for the debate "immediately" under these terms and proposed a coordination meeting soon.

In response, the Likud party dismissed the proposal. Zvika Brodt, the Likud campaign manager, sarcastically asked if Eisenkot would attend alone or with Mansour Abbas, Tibi, and Yair Golan. Yonatan Urich, an advisor to the Prime Minister, suggested the debate challenge indicated "panic" within Eisenkot's camp, possibly due to unfavorable polls, and reiterated the Likud's commitment to a right-wing government, stating "it's either right, or Palestine."

The spokesperson for Eisenkot responded to Brodt's comment, remarking on the "high level" of his statement, implying it was excessive.