Eisenkot Confident of Becoming PM, Outlines Economic Plans
Translated & summarized from Bizportal by baba
Gadi Eisenkot, a former IDF Chief of Staff and current MK, expressed strong confidence in becoming Israel's next Prime Minister. He outlined his economic plans, emphasizing the need to reduce defense spending by resolving conflicts and criticized Prime Minister Netanyahu's economic and security policies. Eisenkot also pledged to abolish coalition funds, reduce government ministries, and continue receiving U.S. security aid.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Gadi Eisenkot declared he will be Prime Minister "tomorrow evening" and named Shaul Meridor as a key economic leader.
- Eisenkot plans to reduce defense budgets by resolving conflicts and criticized Netanyahu's economic policies.
- He aims to abolish coalition funds and cut government ministries from 37 to 24.
- Eisenkot vowed to enlist all eligible individuals into the army and workforce.
- He criticized Netanyahu's Bitcoin remarks as foolish and warned against an autarkic economy.
- Eisenkot will work to continue receiving $3.8 billion in annual U.S. security aid.
Gadi Eisenkot, a 66-year-old Member of Knesset and former IDF Chief of Staff, expressed strong confidence in his imminent victory and becoming Prime Minister of Israel. In an interview focusing on economic issues, Eisenkot, known for his direct approach, stated his belief that "tomorrow evening I will be Prime Minister." He acknowledged the significant challenges in transforming the country but highlighted his economic team, which includes former Head of Budget Division Shaul Meridor, Professor Manuel Trachtenberg, and Dr. Karnit Flug.
When asked about the possibility of Meridor serving as Finance Minister, Eisenkot responded assertively, "What is 'if'? Tomorrow evening I will be Prime Minister. Shaul Meridor will be among the leaders of the economic leadership. I am not assigning portfolios now." He believes that determination and clear goals will lead to economic improvement. Eisenkot identified the numerous open fronts, including Iran, Syria, Lebanon, and Gaza, as major drains on resources and a significant economic burden, attributing this to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's inability to conclude conflicts.
Eisenkot argued that reducing defense budgets is crucial for economic recovery, though this will be a gradual process. He also addressed the issue of draft dodgers, stating that his party, Yishai, intends to enlist all eligible individuals into the army and workforce, aiming to eliminate "evaders." He plans to abolish coalition funds and reduce the number of government ministries from 37 to 24 within his first year, focusing on stabilizing both security and the economy.
Eisenkot criticized Prime Minister Netanyahu's recent remarks on using Bitcoin to circumvent sanctions, calling them "foolish" and based on unqualified advice. He accused Netanyahu of leading Israel towards becoming an autarkic economy and of using fear tactics, including exaggerated threats of nuclear war, to secure votes. Eisenkot affirmed his commitment to continuing the substantial security aid from the United States, emphasizing its mutual benefit for both nations.
Regarding immediate economic steps, Eisenkot listed the cessation of coalition funds, expanding the workforce, and halting transfers to those not employed. He also stressed the importance of restoring normalcy and security to attract investors, and plans to lower the cost of living and housing prices. He warned against a situation similar to South Africa's economic decline due to international isolation.
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