Eisenkot Slams Netanyahu's 'Sequence of Lies' Ahead of Election
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
Former IDF Chief of Staff and party leader Gadi Eisenkot fiercely criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's statements as a "sequence of lies" during a radio interview. Eisenkot denied Netanyahu's claims about his past stances on Iran and Gaza, and outlined his own post-election priorities including a mandatory draft law and term limits for the premier. The exchange comes amid a tight election race where Eisenkot's party leads in polls, and amidst heightened tensions over security issues and a lawsuit against Netanyahu.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Gadi Eisenkot accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of telling a "sequence of lies" in a recent interview.
- Eisenkot denied Netanyahu's claims about his past positions on Iran and the Gaza Strip.
- Eisenkot's party leads in polls, but he warned of a tight election race requiring public turnout.
- Eisenkot proposed a mandatory draft law for all citizens and limiting the prime minister's term.
- He suggested a military ultimatum for Hamas followed by a full Gaza occupation if they refuse.
- The clash occurs amid a heated election campaign and a lawsuit against Netanyahu by a former Shin Bet chief.
Just two weeks before the elections, Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the 'Yashar!' party and former IDF Chief of Staff, launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In a wide-ranging interview on Radio 103FM, Eisenkot responded to Netanyahu's recent interview on Channel 14, stating, "It's heartbreaking. I knew him in a completely different state. Hearing his sequence of lies, I ask myself if he believes it." Eisenkot vehemently denied Netanyahu's claims that he supported a nuclear Iran or opposed the occupation of Gaza, asserting, "He knew how much I pushed him to maneuver in the Strip. There's a limit to audacity."
Eisenkot expressed strong optimism regarding his party's prospects, citing a recent Channel 12 poll placing 'Yashar!' first with 23 mandates compared to the Likud's 20. However, he cautioned, "We are in a tight tie. We will only win this campaign if our public gets up and votes."
He outlined his proposed constitutional priorities for the first two weeks post-election: establishing a state commission of inquiry, passing a mandatory draft law for all citizens, repealing the new law for electing judges, and limiting the prime minister's term to eight years. Regarding potential coalition with Haredi parties, Eisenkot stated he would be "the toughest" on the draft issue, even if it meant opposing the government's formation over what he termed their "shtick."
On security matters, Eisenkot proposed a time-bound ultimatum for Hamas to disarm, followed by a full occupation of the Strip and destruction of its military capabilities if they refused. He also criticized the Likud's campaign slogan 'Either Right or Palestinian,' calling it audacious and denying ever supporting a two-state solution, noting his role in planning the Dahiya Doctrine and fighting terrorism throughout his career.
The confrontation between Eisenkot and Netanyahu occurs amidst a heated election campaign focusing on security, Haredi enlistment, and responsibility for the October 7th failures. Tensions have also escalated recently due to a defamation lawsuit filed against the Prime Minister by former Shin Bet head Ronen Bar.
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