Gadi Eisenkot Seeks Haredi Cooperation, Welcomes Former Shin Bet Operative to Party

Gadi Eisenkot, former IDF Chief of Staff and current leader of the Yisrael party, expressed confidence in defeating Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and did not rule out forming a government coalition with Haredi parties. In an interview with Kikar HaShabbat, Eisenkot emphasized his willingness to collaborate with any faction that accepts the principles of a Jewish and democratic state and supports military or national service. He addressed the Haredi community directly, acknowledging their historical contributions to Israel's wars and advocating for a balanced approach to conscription that respects their lifestyle.

Eisenkot also spoke positively about the Shas party, highlighting that many of its voters serve in the military and describing Shas as a party with broad Zionist components. He stressed that Shas could be a coalition partner if it commits to the three fundamental principles he outlined. Eisenkot praised Shas leader Aryeh Deri's security understanding and noted his personal connection, recalling his mother's long-time support for Shas.

Meanwhile, Shas has declared it will not commit to the right-wing bloc unless laws protecting Torah study and freezing arrests are passed. Their party newspaper criticized attempts to dilute these laws, warning against compromising the core values of the Torah world.

In a significant development, Eisenkot announced the addition of Deborah Sharifian Bechar, a former Shin Bet and Mossad operative and educator, to his party. Sharifian Bechar, born in Tehran and brought to Israel in a secret Mossad operation, has a distinguished security background including frontline counterterrorism roles and intelligence work. She holds degrees in criminology, political science, and educational leadership, and currently lives in Kibbutz Eilot in southern Israel. She stated her commitment to combining security resilience with social strength, focusing on empowering children in Israel's periphery.

Sharifian Bechar joins other notable figures in Yisrael, such as former Shin Bet chief Yoram Cohen, economist Shaul Meridor, former minister Matan Kahana, and former MK and minister Orit Farkash-Hacohen.