Avishai Ben Haim Urges Gadi Eizenkot to End Boycott of Netanyahu and Likud

Avishai Ben Haim, a journalist known for his conciliatory approach, addressed a rare public appeal to Gadi Eizenkot on Sunday. Following Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's statement expressing a desire to end political boycotts and form a broad government, Ben Haim urged Eizenkot to respond by inviting Netanyahu and the Likud party to join a unity government, even suggesting offering Netanyahu the role of deputy prime minister.

Ben Haim criticized Eizenkot's party for maintaining a boycott against Likud members, comparing it to the historical boycott during Menachem Begin's era known as the "Red Notebook." He argued that this boycott is a fundamental principle for the leaders Eizenkot represents, who refuse to respect the choice of their fellow citizens who support Likud, despite being comrades in arms and sharing a Zionist commitment.

He condemned the ongoing boycott as especially egregious during wartime, highlighting that Likud supporters are sending their sons and daughters to fight and die alongside others. Ben Haim contrasted this with the willingness of Eizenkot's circle to cooperate with the Islamic Movement and Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas, but not with their own fellow Israelis from the Likud party. He called this stance a violation of the "Servicemen's Covenant" and a deep breach of the Zionist bond.

Ben Haim's appeal underscores the political tensions within Israel's leadership and the challenges facing efforts to build a broad coalition government amid ongoing conflict and societal divisions.