Eisenkot and Gantz Rebut Lieberman's Attacks Ahead of Election
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
Gadi Eisenkot and Benny Gantz have publicly responded to attacks from Avigdor Lieberman, who accused Eisenkot of planning to form a government with Netanyahu and the ultra-Orthodox. Eisenkot urged the public to ignore "spins" and focus on achieving a "great victory" in the upcoming elections, promising a "better Israel." Gantz defended Eisenkot and himself, stating Lieberman's attacks stem from pressure after his minority government plan was exposed, and advocated for a unity government. Polls show Eisenkot's party gaining significantly, potentially at the expense of Lieberman's and Bennett's parties.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Gadi Eisenkot urged the public to ignore "spins" and focus on achieving a "great victory" in the upcoming elections.
- Avigdor Lieberman accused Eisenkot of planning to form a government with Netanyahu and the ultra-Orthodox parties.
- Benny Gantz stated Lieberman's attacks are due to pressure after his minority government plan was exposed.
- Gantz advocated for a "Zionist unity government across blocs," which he believes only Blue and White can achieve.
- Polls show Eisenkot's party rising to 26 mandates, while Lieberman's party dropped to 9 mandates.
Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, urged the public to "ignore the spins" and focus on achieving a "great victory" in the upcoming elections, just 11 days away. His statement comes amid sharp criticism from his bloc partner, Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of Yisrael Beiteinu, who accused Eisenkot of planning to form a government with Netanyahu and the ultra-Orthodox parties. Eisenkot emphasized the need for "calm and focus on the goal" during this "historic moment" for Israel, stating his commitment to bringing in voters tired of the "evasion, division, and lies of the Netanyahu government." He aims to secure "a clear decision of over 61 Zionist mandates for change," urging everyone in the "change and hope bloc" to replace the "leadership of 7.10" which he believes should not continue. Eisenkot warned that Israelis will not forgive politicians who prioritize personal interests over national needs, and assured voters they could rely on him, promising a "better Israel" soon.
Benny Gantz, chairman of Blue and White, also responded forcefully to Lieberman, asserting that Lieberman has accomplished "ten percent" of what Eisenkot and he have done for Israel. Gantz claimed Lieberman is "under pressure and shooting in all directions" since Gantz exposed his plan for a minority government with Bennett and Arab parties. He stated that Lieberman's attacks would not hide the "dead end" he is leading Israel towards, advocating for a "Zionist unity government across blocs," which he believes only Blue and White can achieve. Gantz urged voters to support unity to "save the country."
Lieberman had previously accused Eisenkot of "drinking votes within the bloc" to gain leverage against the Likud and warned that draft exemptions would not be canceled. Recent polls indicate Yisrael Beiteinu, led by Eisenkot, is rising to 26 mandates, potentially at the expense of potential bloc partners like Naftali Bennett's party, which dropped to 11 mandates, and Lieberman's own party, which fell to 9 mandates.
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