Eisenkot Declares Historic Win, Urges Security Chiefs to Resist Pressure
Translated & summarized from Behadrei Haredim by baba
Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of Yisrael Beiteinu, declared a historic election win based on exit polls projecting 19-23 seats. He sharply criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling for his resignation and the formation of a new government. Eisenkot uniquely urged security and public service leaders to resist political pressure and stand firm, stating Netanyahu lacks a mandate. His party's ability to form a coalition is still uncertain pending final results.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Gadi Eisenkot declared a historic election win, projecting 19-23 seats for his Yisrael Beiteinu party.
- Eisenkot sharply criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling for his resignation.
- He urged security and public service leaders to resist political pressure and serve citizens' interests.
- Eisenkot vowed to form a "Zionist enlistment government" committed to key principles.
- He warned Netanyahu not to use Israel's security for political gain.
- The final Knesset seat distribution and coalition formation remain uncertain.
Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, delivered his first statement since election day, following preliminary exit polls that projected his party winning between 19 and 23 seats. Eisenkot declared a historic achievement, sharply criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and called for the formation of a new government. He directed a particularly strong message to the heads of the security establishment and the public service, urging them to stand firm against any attempts to exert pressure on them.
"We made history!" Eisenkot proclaimed, stating that the public had voted for change and that the current coalition had lost the people's trust. He asserted that voters had rejected Netanyahu's continued premiership and urged the Prime Minister to draw conclusions from the results, suggesting a "worthy leader" would resign. Eisenkot warned against the possibility of further elections, emphasizing his commitment to forming a government, which he termed a "Zionist enlistment government" committed to recognizing Israel as a Jewish and democratic state, upholding the Declaration of Independence, enacting a law for universal service, and dismantling Hamas.
Eisenkot's most unusual statement was directed at security and public service leaders, whom he addressed directly. He stated that Netanyahu is a "transitional prime minister without a mandate or trust" and implored them to remember they serve only the state and its citizens. He urged them to "stand strong and firm against any attempt to challenge you," assuring them of his full backing. Eisenkot concluded with a stern warning to Netanyahu not to "dare use Israel's security for your political needs." The results are still based on preliminary exit polls, with the final seat distribution in the Knesset yet to be determined. Despite his party's significant projected gains, Eisenkot's ability to form a coalition remains uncertain and depends on the final results and inter-party negotiations.
