Gantz Warns Eisenkot: Bennett and Lieberman Will Demand Premiership
Translated & summarized from Mako by baba
Benny Gantz warned Gadi Eisenkot that Avigdor Lieberman and Naftali Bennett will demand the premiership in the upcoming government, regardless of their party's mandate count. This warning comes amid internal tensions within the "change bloc" and follows Bennett's controversial remarks about potentially including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a future government. Both Bennett and Lieberman have since clarified they would not sit with Netanyahu, while Eisenkot also rejected the idea. The disputes underscore the challenges facing the "change bloc" partners as they aim to unseat the current government.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Benny Gantz warned Gadi Eisenkot that Bennett and Lieberman will demand the premiership.
- Gantz believes Bennett and Lieberman will seek leadership even without the most mandates.
- Sources close to Bennett and Lieberman deny coordination on the premiership demand.
- The warning follows Eisenkot's new campaign strategy to become the largest party.
- Bennett's past remarks about Netanyahu serving as a minister caused controversy.
- Both Eisenkot and Lieberman have stated they will not sit with Netanyahu.
With two weeks remaining until the elections, Benny Gantz, chairman of the Blue and White Party, has warned Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the Yisrael Beiteinu Party, about a potential joint move by Avigdor Lieberman and Naftali Bennett. Gantz believes that both Lieberman and Bennett will demand to lead the next government, even if their parties do not secure the largest number of mandates in the "change bloc." He argued that they would not settle for less if they cannot become prime minister, stating, "Read my lips, you will see this happen."
Sources close to Bennett and Lieberman have denied any coordination or discussions between them on this matter. A spokesperson for Lieberman responded, "We do not judge a person in distress." The Blue and White party countered, "We do judge someone determined to reach the chair even at the cost of selling the country."
The warning comes amid rising tensions within the "change bloc." Eisenkot has recently shifted his campaign strategy to aim for his party to become the largest within the bloc, potentially at the expense of other coalition partners. This internal competition is exacerbated by recent remarks from Naftali Bennett, who initially suggested he would not rule out Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu serving as a minister in a government led by him.
Bennett later clarified his position, stating he would not sit with Netanyahu, whom he holds responsible for the October 7th events. Eisenkot also rejected the possibility of Netanyahu serving as a minister, asserting that anyone in a leadership role on October 7th is unfit for command. Lieberman echoed this sentiment, vowing not to sit with Netanyahu under any circumstances. Yair Golan of the Democratic Party also stated that Netanyahu would not serve in any government if it depends on his party.
These disputes over leadership and potential coalition partners highlight the existing tensions among the "change bloc" partners as they seek to form a government and replace the current administration.
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