Former IDF Chief Gadi Eisenkot Predicts Growing Decline for Netanyahu Ahead of Israeli Elections

Gadi Eisenkot, former Chief of Staff of the Israel Defense Forces and current chairman of the Yashar party, spoke in an interview on Kan News on Sunday evening about the upcoming Israeli elections and recent political developments. Eisenkot emphasized a shared goal among Zionist and state-oriented parties to replace what he called "the worst government in Israel's history" with a broad coalition. He referenced a recent Kan News poll indicating widespread Israeli distrust in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, attributing this to Netanyahu's recent passage of controversial exemption laws opposed by the military leadership.

Eisenkot expressed confidence that Netanyahu's weakening political trend will continue, especially after the prime minister's actions against the IDF's stance. He named several political figures, including Naftali Bennett, Yair Lapid, Avigdor Lieberman, and others, as allies in forming a coalition aiming for at least 63 Knesset seats. Addressing concerns about election day disruptions, Eisenkot criticized Netanyahu's temperament and warned against any attempts to delay or interfere with the elections, lamenting the lack of internal opposition within Likud.

When asked about Shas party leader Aryeh Deri, Eisenkot described him as a very negative figure in Israeli leadership and expressed a preference for other leaders within Shas, such as Moshe Arbel. He condemned Deri's role in advancing the exemption legislation. The interview also touched on behind-the-scenes moments from the launch of the Yashar party campaign and noted that Likud members are set to vote on a proposal to grant Netanyahu eight reserved Knesset slots.