Eisenkot Seeks Unity Government, Criticizes 'Smear Campaign' Against Arab Citizens
Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba
Gadi Eisenkot is actively working to form a unity government, reaching out to all parties that align with his principles. He criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's "smear campaign" against Arab citizens, calling it anti-state and a violation of Israel's founding document. Eisenkot also addressed concerns about his party colleague Elisaf Perez's stance on potential coalition partners.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Gadi Eisenkot is actively seeking to form a unity government, engaging with various political factions.
- Eisenkot condemned the "smear campaign" against Arab citizens as anti-state and a disgrace to the Declaration of Independence.
- He stated he is "not concerned" about his party colleague Elisaf Perez's stance on coalition partners.
- Eisenkot emphasized the need for close government oversight during the sensitive transition period.
- He called for dialogue based on Israeli interests and creative cooperation to form a stable government.
Gadi Eisenkot, who received the mandate to form a government from President Yitzhak Herzog a week ago, published a detailed social media post outlining his efforts to establish a unity government. He referred to outgoing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as "the outgoing prime minister" and stated he would not discuss their recent security briefing.
Eisenkot emphasized the critical need for close oversight of the government during this sensitive transition period, asserting, "I made it clear that I will not allow a lack of oversight." He reiterated his commitment to exploring all avenues and speaking with any elected official who agrees with his four core principles to form a stable government swiftly, calling it "the order of the hour."
He outlined his approach to coalition negotiations, stating, "We are progressing in dialogue with the partners and working to exhaust all possibilities that I am pursuing with good faith to establish a good and stable government under my leadership." Eisenkot stressed the importance of building partnerships, expanding options, fostering creative cooperation, and conducting dialogue based solely on Israeli interests.
Addressing comments made by Miriam Perez, mother of his party colleague Elisaf Perez, Eisenkot stated he is "not concerned" about Elisaf's stance. Miriam Perez had previously said her son would not support a government involving Arab parties. Eisenkot expressed his long-standing personal acquaintance with the Perez family and his confidence in Elisaf, whom he has known since childhood.
What does concern Eisenkot is the "vicious and ugly campaign" targeting members of his Yisrael Beiteinu party and their families, including bereaved families. He stated that while disagreement and criticism are valid, incitement and threats are unacceptable, and directed any issues with his approach to him personally.
Eisenkot also sent a message to Israel's Arab citizens, who constitute 21% of the population. He condemned the "racist and violent de-legitimization campaign" fueled by the outgoing prime minister and his circle, calling it "anti-state" and a "disgrace to the Declaration of Independence." He asserted that while one can disagree with Arab party representatives, it is unacceptable to slander an entire sector.
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