Netanyahu Criticizes Gadi Eizenkot Over Mansour Abbas Comparison Ahead of Elections

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a campaign video sharply attacking former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eizenkot for comparing Mansour Abbas, leader of the Ra'am party, to Israeli Arab activist Yosef Jadad. Netanyahu condemned the comparison as "horrible," emphasizing Jadad's contributions to Israel's security and public diplomacy, contrasting them with Abbas's alleged support for Hamas and rejection of Israel's legitimacy. Netanyahu accused Eizenkot of revealing his intention to form a government reliant on Arab parties, which Netanyahu framed as a existential threat to Israel. "So Gadi, for once you told the truth," Netanyahu said, asserting he would form a broad national government only with those recognizing Israel as the Jewish nation-state.

Earlier, Yosef Jadad responded with anger to Eizenkot's remarks, questioning whether the comparison was made solely because both are Arabs. Jadad stressed that aside from their shared ethnicity, he and Abbas have nothing in common. He highlighted his military service in the Golani Brigade, his injury in Lebanon, and his work promoting Israeli advocacy, contrasting this with Abbas's party's alleged ties to organizations funding terrorism. Jadad called for a boycott of current Arab parties in the Knesset, labeling them anti-Israel rather than anti-Arab, and rejected any attempts to equate him with Abbas.

Jadad also addressed rumors about his political future, confirming he is considering entering politics but has not yet decided on a party or framework. His statements reflect ongoing tensions within Israeli politics regarding cooperation with Arab parties ahead of the upcoming elections.