Gadi Eisenkot Reveals Netanyahu Bloc Offered Him a Deal
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
Gadi Eisenkot revealed that the "Netanyahu bloc" offered him a deal concerning the enlistment of Haredim, which he rejected. He also claimed to be attracting former Likud voters and criticized negative campaigning by the Likud. Eisenkot stated that he would not compromise on the issue of Haredi enlistment, even if it meant not forming a government. He also attacked the candidacy of Ofer Winter.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Gadi Eisenkot revealed the Netanyahu bloc offered him a deal on Haredi enlistment, which he rejected.
- Eisenkot claims 18% of his party's voters are former coalition members, mostly from Likud.
- He stated he would not compromise on Haredi enlistment, even if it prevents government formation.
- Eisenkot criticized the Likud's negative campaign tactics, including ethnic and personal attacks.
- He called a vote for Ofer Winter a vote for a "government of draft evasion."
Former IDF Chief of Staff and politician Gadi Eisenkot revealed for the first time that he was offered a "deal" by "the Netanyahu bloc" regarding the enlistment of Haredim (ultra-Orthodox Jews). Eisenkot stated in a special interview that he rejected the offer, declaring, "Forget it, I will never make a deal on enlistment in exchange for power. There will be no compromise, even at the price of not forming a government." He asserted that his party is not in danger of falling below the electoral threshold, as it has surplus agreements with four other parties. Eisenkot believes he can attract "soft right-wing" voters and Likud supporters, citing his own research indicating that 18% of his party's current voters come from the coalition, with most being former Likud voters. He aims to lead a large party that can form a stable government.
Eisenkot also criticized the negative campaign tactics employed by the Likud, including mocking videos about his English proficiency and attempts to exploit ethnic divisions. He contrasted himself with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stating that while Netanyahu lived abroad and considered American citizenship, Eisenkot studied in the U.S. for a year and returned to Israel. He emphasized his commitment to raising his children in Israel, rejecting the possibility of them holding foreign passports. Eisenkot dismissed the ethnic slurs against him as disconnected from reality and his service to the country.
He also attacked the candidacy of Ofer Winter, calling a vote for him a vote for a "government of draft evasion." Eisenkot defended his own political positioning, stating, "No party is in danger, I know how to bring soft right-wing voters better than others." He claimed credit for organizing the "bloc" and dismissed comparisons to previous elections as "complete nonsense."
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