Eisenkot Outlines Ten-Point Plan in Hadera Rally, Addresses Gaza Funds and Abbas

Gadi Eisenkot, a candidate for prime minister, held a rally in Hadera where he presented his party's ten-step plan for Israel's prosperity. The event, hosted by veteran media personality Rafi Ginat, drew a crowd to the 350-seat Rena Sheni hall, adorned with large flags bearing Eisenkot's image and banners detailing the "10 Steps to Israel's Prosperity."

Eisenkot's plan focuses on national unity, bolstering national security with a clear strategy, restoring national service, strengthening education through decentralization and increased funding for teachers, improving personal security by combating organized crime, stimulating the economy through workforce integration and infrastructure investment, reforming public service, and encouraging immigration and absorption. He largely avoided direct criticism of the current government, concentrating instead on his proposals.

During a Q&A session, Eisenkot addressed challenging questions. Regarding past support for transferring Qatari funds to Gaza, he explained that as IDF chief of staff in 2018, he proposed a mechanism for transferring $15 million monthly from Qatar, with strict oversight. However, he later learned from former Shin Bet chief Nadav Argaman that Hamas began collecting a significant portion of these funds for its military wing, a situation he claims Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu failed to halt despite requests from security officials.

Eisenkot also clarified his stance on potential coalition partners, stating he never agreed to sit with Mansour Abbas's Ra'am party, contrary to claims made by Channel 14. He asserted that he would only sit with parties committed to his core principles, including the destruction of Hamas, which he noted Abbas does not accept. He also suggested that while the right-wing bloc is homogeneous, the opposing bloc is more complex, with multiple leaders vying for leadership, but they share a common goal of replacing Netanyahu.

Eisenkot expressed hope for forming a future government with figures like Naftali Bennett, Avigdor Lieberman, Yair Golan, and Ze'ev Elkin, provided they meet his criteria. The 'Reservists-Economic' group stated they would only join a Zionist government excluding Haredi and Arab parties, focusing on universal conscription and reducing the cost of living.