Gadi Eizenkot Calls Shas a Zionist Party and Potential Government Partner

In an exclusive interview with Yishai Cohen, former IDF Chief of Staff and opposition leader Gadi Eizenkot described the ultra-Orthodox Shas party as a Zionist party that serves the state and could join his future government if it accepts fundamental principles, including the conscription of Haredim. Eizenkot emphasized that many Shas voters serve in the Israeli military, a fact he witnessed firsthand during his tenure as Chief of Staff. He also revealed a personal connection, stating that his mother voted for Shas for 30 years.

Eizenkot clarified a previous video in which he was accused of calling Shas non-Zionist, explaining that the party was not included among those he labeled as non-Zionist because it has broad Zionist components. He challenged critics who questioned his military service record, noting he served five times longer than some coalition leaders.

Regarding his relationship with Shas leader Aryeh Deri, Eizenkot acknowledged past cooperation and disagreements, including a significant cabinet dispute over the response to Iran’s first attack on April 14, 2024. He criticized Deri’s opposition to a strong military retaliation, which was ultimately adopted, resulting in what Eizenkot called a weak response. He also expressed disappointment over Deri’s insufficiently assertive stance on prisoner exchange negotiations compared to other right-wing figures.

Eizenkot stated that Deri could be part of his war cabinet if he accepts the three core principles Eizenkot demands. The interview signals a potential shift in the opposition bloc’s approach to ultra-Orthodox parties, particularly Shas, amid ongoing debates about their role in Israeli politics and military service.

Summary: Former IDF Chief Gadi Eizenkot calls Shas a Zionist party whose voters serve in the army, says it could join his government if it accepts key principles including Haredi conscription, and critiques Shas leader Aryeh Deri’s past positions on security issues.

Points: - Gadi Eizenkot calls Shas a Zionist party with many voters serving in the IDF. - Eizenkot’s mother voted for Shas for 30 years, showing a personal connection. - He says Shas can join his government if it accepts core principles, especially Haredi conscription. - Eizenkot disputes claims he called Shas non-Zionist, clarifying his stance. - He criticizes Aryeh Deri’s opposition to strong military response to Iran’s 2024 attack. - Deri could join Eizenkot’s war cabinet if he agrees to the three fundamental principles.

Topic: politics

Entities: {"people":["Gadi Eizenkot","Yishai Cohen","Aryeh Deri","Benjamin Netanyahu","Bezalel Smotrich","Itamar Ben-Gvir"],"organizations":["Shas","IDF","Israeli government"],"places":["Israel","Iran"]}