Eisenkot's Election Gambit Stirs Coalition Tensions
Translated & summarized from Srugim by baba
Gadi Eisenkot plans to launch a campaign strategy positioning the election as a choice between himself and Prime Minister Netanyahu, causing significant tension within the opposition "change bloc." A recent poll shows the "change bloc" leading, but internal disagreements are escalating. The Likud party is also mobilizing voters, with Netanyahu emphasizing a tight race. Eisenkot's move contradicts prior agreements among opposition leaders to focus solely on ousting Netanyahu.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Gadi Eisenkot plans a campaign strategy framing the election as "Eisenkot or Netanyahu."
- The move creates significant tension within the opposition "change bloc."
- A recent poll shows the "change bloc" with 54 mandates versus Netanyahu's 49.
- Eisenkot's strategy contradicts prior opposition agreements to avoid internal attacks.
- Lieberman reportedly accuses bloc colleagues of working to save Netanyahu.
- The Likud party has launched a "Gevald" campaign urging voter turnout.
With two weeks remaining until the elections, a dramatic move by Gadi Eisenkot is creating significant tension among opposition leaders. Journalist Barak Seri reported on Tuesday that Eisenkot intends to launch a campaign strategy that frames the election as a choice between himself and Prime Minister Netanyahu, a move that could siphon votes from other parties within his bloc.
Seri, speaking on Radio 103fm, referenced a Channel 12 poll released Monday showing the "change bloc" with 54 mandates, Netanyahu's bloc with 49, Endel and Zelicha with 4, and Arab parties with 13. Despite the seemingly favorable poll for the opposition, Seri noted considerable friction within the "change bloc" due to Eisenkot's planned campaign.
This strategy directly contradicts previous agreements among the "change bloc" leaders, who had pledged not to attack each other and to defer the question of who would be prime minister until after Netanyahu's removal. However, these promises have reportedly frayed, with leaders already clashing over leadership and making public missteps.
Meanwhile, the Likud party has initiated a "Gevald" (help) campaign, urging voters to turn out. Netanyahu stated that the blocs are in a complete tie and emphasized the need for maximum participation. Seri pointed out that this statement contradicts polls by Shlomo Philber, which suggested a significantly larger lead for Netanyahu's bloc over the change bloc.
Lieberman has reportedly accused his bloc colleagues of working to save Netanyahu, further highlighting the internal discord. The unfolding situation suggests that Eisenkot's planned campaign could exacerbate these existing divisions.
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