Eisenkot Responds to Trump, Says Only Israelis Decide Prime Minister
Translated & summarized from Mako by baba
Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the Yisrael! party, declared that only Israeli citizens will decide the next prime minister, responding to U.S. President Donald Trump's endorsement of Benjamin Netanyahu. Eisenkot criticized Netanyahu's government and campaign, vowing to replace it soon. He also addressed a racist remark by Yinon Magal and ruled out a unity government with Netanyahu, whom he deems unfit for leadership.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Gadi Eisenkot stated only Israeli citizens will decide the next prime minister, not foreign leaders.
- Eisenkot vowed to replace the current government, calling it the worst in Israel's history.
- He accused Prime Minister Netanyahu of divisive campaign tactics and using commentators as mouthpieces.
- Eisenkot rejected any possibility of a unity government with Benjamin Netanyahu.
- He expressed confidence in his party's ability to win the upcoming elections and form a new government.
Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the Yisrael! party and former IDF Chief of Staff, stated in a Channel 12 interview that only Israeli citizens will determine the next prime minister and coalition, directly addressing a statement by U.S. President Donald Trump. Eisenkot expressed appreciation for Trump's contributions to Israeli national security but emphasized that Israeli elections are an internal affair. He revealed that he had attempted to prevent foreign interference in the elections through several meetings, though he did not elaborate.
Eisenkot asserted that his party could replace the current government within a week and a half, describing it as the "worst government since the establishment of the state." He criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's campaign tactics, particularly signs that equate him and other prominent figures with "Palestine," calling them racist and divisive. Eisenkot also addressed a derogatory remark made by commentator Yinon Magal about him, stating, "The voice is Magal's voice, the hands are Netanyahu's hands," implying Magal acts as a mouthpiece for the Prime Minister.
Regarding potential political alliances, Eisenkot indicated a willingness to work with Avigdor Lieberman and other leaders, including Yair Lapid and Naftali Bennett, to form a "Zionist-state" government. He rejected the possibility of a unity government with Netanyahu, deeming him unfit to continue in leadership due to his alleged failures and political considerations overriding national security. Eisenkot expressed confidence that his bloc would win the upcoming elections and bring about a significant change in leadership.
Eisenkot also touched upon the military situation, stating he was unaware of any intelligence necessitating immediate action in Iran but trusted the IDF Chief of Staff's judgment. He stressed the importance of holding elections on schedule as a cornerstone of national resilience, even amidst security challenges.
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