Gadi Eizenkot Launches Yisrael! Campaign Emphasizing National Unity and Security Reform

About four months ahead of the Israeli elections, the Yisrael! party launched its campaign titled "Israel Must Win!" with former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eizenkot as its leader. In his speech, Eizenkot criticized ongoing divisive rhetoric within Israeli society and pledged to strengthen the military by increasing its ranks to ease the burden on both regular and reserve soldiers without compromising security needs. The party's plan includes limiting reserve duty to 50 days per year and no more than 150 days over three years.

Eizenkot stressed the importance of ending the political chaos and preparing responsibly for the next decade, stating, "The State of Israel has no privilege to err again." He promised to uphold Israel as a Jewish-democratic state reflecting the principles of the Declaration of Independence and to immediately establish a state commission of inquiry to learn from past mistakes and support those harmed physically and mentally by war.

Without naming Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu directly, Eizenkot criticized the current leadership for lacking responsibility and fostering division, accusing it of cynically using national unity as an election slogan. He vowed to replace this leadership with one that has vision and strategy, aiming to form a Zionist, unifying government. Eizenkot also condemned the government’s recent decisions, including the approval of the Basic Law on Torah Study, arguing these weaken the IDF and deepen societal divisions.

During the event, party members presented key policy proposals: Matan Kahana on education reform, Shaul Meridor on economic strengthening and cost of living reduction, Inbar Harush-Giti on national and military service solutions for Haredim and Arabs, former Shin Bet chief Yoram Cohen on national and personal security, attorney Inbar Yehezkel on post-trauma care, and MK Orit Farkash-Hacohen on immigration and brain gain.

The party emphasized that these plans were developed through extensive consultations with experts, academia, civil society, and field professionals to address Israel’s main challenges. Eizenkot’s remarks came days after Netanyahu called for a broad national unity government, which Eizenkot countered as contradictory given the government’s divisive actions and ongoing reforms that split society. Polls show Eizenkot leading the anti-Netanyahu bloc with the highest number of seats in that camp.