Likud Forms Team to Recruit MKs from Gadi Eisenkot's Party Post-Election

The Likud party has established a special team tasked with recruiting lawmakers from Gadi Eisenkot's political faction, "Yashar," following the upcoming parliamentary elections. The team, comprising lawmakers close to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and political consultants, aims to persuade these MKs to switch their allegiance to Netanyahu's camp. According to the Ynet news portal, the team is currently analyzing the backgrounds of all candidates on Eisenkot's list, with a particular focus on newcomers who have right-wing leanings or connections.

Information being gathered includes candidates' past public statements, social circles, and relationships with influential rabbis and figures. This intelligence is intended for use immediately after the elections. Lawmakers who agree to join Netanyahu's side are expected to be offered "advantageous terms." Sources indicate that some individuals within Eisenkot's party are reportedly uncomfortable with his and Yair Golan's stances on security and foreign policy, as well as the prospect of forming a government that includes Arab parties.

During a party meeting, Eisenkot addressed reports of recruitment efforts, urging his colleagues to draw from his own experience. He recalled rejecting past offers to help dismantle Benny Gantz's party. Meanwhile, opposition figures are reportedly skeptical about the bloc's post-election unity, with one senior opposition figure suggesting that even approved party lists do not preclude defections, citing past instances like those of Idit Silman and Amsalem Shikli. This individual believes Netanyahu may succeed in convincing some candidates to switch sides. Prime Minister Netanyahu recently posted on social media platform X, criticizing the opposition and Gadi Eisenkot.