Eisenkot Open to Unity Government with Likud, Sets Conditions

Former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot stated he does not rule out a unity government with the Likud party, but has set conditions for its formation. He also launched a sharp critique of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling him a "pathological liar" and describing him as "a leaf in the wind" during cabinet meetings. Eisenkot asserted that Netanyahu's claims about supporting the entry of 150,000 Palestinian workers into Israel were false, stating that he himself had demanded zero workers during his tenure and none were approved. He also criticized Netanyahu's statements on Iran's nuclear program, arguing that Iran never possessed nuclear bombs and that such fabrications weaken Israel and lead to international isolation.

Eisenkot accused Netanyahu and the Likud of employing a "doctrine of fear and hatred" in their election campaign, particularly by linking opposition parties to the establishment of a Palestinian state. He argued that Netanyahu's leadership has been a failure, citing his "absolute victory" slogan versus his current perceived "submissive leader" status. Eisenkot recounted being alarmed by Netanyahu's demeanor in the cabinet, describing him as indecisive and suggesting the government has failed in managing the war and should have resigned earlier. He called for Netanyahu to take personal responsibility as the commander-in-chief and accused him of evading the establishment of a state inquiry commission.

Eisenkot outlined his vision for a "Zionist, state-oriented government" focused on national unity, equitable burden-sharing, and establishing a state inquiry commission into the October 7th events. He believes Netanyahu, driven by personal and familial fears, should be respectfully removed from office. Eisenkot also criticized the involvement of Netanyahu's family in public discourse, accusing the Prime Minister's son of spreading falsehoods and his wife of promoting a "betrayal theory" that erodes public trust in state institutions.

Looking ahead to the 2026 elections, Eisenkot aims for his party to significantly outperform the Likud, by four to six seats, to bring a new direction to the country. He stressed the importance of the largest party's leader being the automatic candidate for forming the government. Regarding potential coalition partners, Eisenkot clarified that any Arab party seeking to join must accept his party's four core principles: maintaining Israel as a Jewish and democratic state with a solid Jewish majority, commitment to the Declaration of Independence, universal conscription, and recognizing Hamas as a terrorist organization to be eliminated. He stated that if no Arab party accepts these terms, they will not be part of his coalition.

Eisenkot also revisited past statements by Netanyahu, claiming the Prime Minister had previously expressed willingness for political arrangements and even told Yasser Arafat he was a "true friend," and had agreed multiple times to the establishment of a Palestinian state, contradicting his current campaign rhetoric. He also raised concerns about an individual close to Netanyahu who is allegedly suspected of receiving funds from Qatar and passing classified information about hostages, questioning Netanyahu's judgment for keeping this person by his side.