Eisenkot Accuses Netanyahu of Trying to Undermine Election Results

Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the National Unity Party, accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Likud party on Thursday of attempting to undermine election results amid suspicions of foreign interference. In a special statement following meetings with the head of the Shin Bet and the chairman of the Central Elections Committee, Eisenkot asserted that the Likud had prepared in advance for an attack on the election outcomes and vowed not to allow any delay in the swearing-in of the new Knesset. Eisenkot's declaration comes after reports surfaced of alleged foreign involvement in the elections through financial transfers, prompting the chairman of the Central Elections Committee, Judge Noam Sohlberg, to request an urgent investigation from the Shin Bet chief. Eisenkot stated that the Likud and Netanyahu have launched a "coordinated and organized campaign to delegitimize the election results" because they lost and lack a majority. He noted that while he has been briefed on the foreign interference allegations, it is too early to determine the extent or nature of any such involvement. Eisenkot emphasized that foreign interference in Israel is a serious matter, particularly from countries he described as funding terrorism and supporting Hamas, and stressed the need for a thorough investigation into potential influence operations. Despite these concerns, Eisenkot affirmed that there will be no deviation from the schedule for the formation of the new Knesset, stating, "There is the rule of law in the State of Israel. I will not allow a deviation of an inch from the swearing-in of the Knesset as planned." He also announced that his party is preparing legislative proposals for the opening of the Knesset session, including a conscription law for all citizens, a state inquiry commission for the October 7th events, and changes to budget mechanisms. Eisenkot concluded by reiterating his commitment to fighting for the interests of the public and declared that Netanyahu's era of using government institutions for personal gain is over, urging the public to remain calm and patient.