Gadi Eizenkot Launches Campaign, Criticizes Netanyahu's Leadership as Divisive and Dishonest

Four months ahead of the Israeli elections, Gadi Eizenkot, chairman of the Yisrael party, officially launched his campaign for prime minister on Tuesday evening under the slogan "Israel Must Win!". Eizenkot directly responded to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's recent call for a broad national unity government without naming him, accusing the current leadership of fostering division and lying to the Israeli public. He stated, "There are those who for years have incited as if the people of Israel are not one. They promote actions that contradict the national interest and deceive Israelis who work, serve, and are ready to sacrifice their lives for this country."

Eizenkot intensified his criticism, saying, "This leadership is unfamiliar with responsibility and personal example. It lies and fuels division as if it has no cost. Its only way to govern is by separating us." He pledged to replace what he described as a visionless leadership with one that unites the nation and promised to form a Zionist, unifying, and worthy government.

Alongside his political critique, Eizenkot outlined key points of his party's platform, including expanding the military to ease the burden on regular and reserve soldiers without compromising security needs. His plan proposes limiting reserve duty to 50 days per year and no more than 150 days over three years. He emphasized the need to end the "madness of the systems" and ensure a responsible transition into the next decade, warning Israel cannot afford further mistakes.

Eizenkot also committed to maintaining Israel as a Jewish-democratic state upholding the principles of the Declaration of Independence. He promised to immediately establish a state commission of inquiry to learn from the past and prepare for the future, as well as to care for all those physically and mentally harmed by war, calling this a primary obligation.

These remarks come shortly after Netanyahu expressed his intention to form a broad national government, emphasizing the need to prevent internal rifts and resolve issues through broad understanding and agreement.