Minister Shikli Accuses Gadi Eizenkot of Aligning with Anti-Establishment Forces Ahead of 2026 Elections

Minister Amichai Shikli sharply criticized former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eizenkot during an interview on Channel 14's "The Open Studio" program. Shikli labeled Eizenkot as "the candidate of the refusers and the Kaplan protest," accusing him of covertly working to form a minority government despite outwardly projecting unity. Shikli claimed Eizenkot is supported by controversial groups including "Brothers in Arms," extremist protesters from the Kaplan demonstrations, and figures like Eyal Neve, whom Shikli associates with inciting civil unrest.

Shikli equated Eizenkot with former Prime Minister Ehud Barak and warned that a government led by Eizenkot would be non-Zionist, endangering strategic areas such as the Negev and the Golan Heights. He specifically mentioned that such a government would cooperate with left-wing politician Yair Golan and Mansour Abbas, implying a betrayal of Israel's security interests. Shikli urged the public to understand the risks of supporting Eizenkot, framing him as a candidate aligned with extreme elements and a threat to national unity and security.

The comments come amid the buildup to the 2026 elections, with Shikli positioning himself and his allies against Eizenkot's perceived political camp. The interview reflects ongoing tensions within Israeli right-wing politics over leadership and coalition strategies.