Former IDF Chief Gadi Eizenkot Reveals Past Support for Ariel Sharon, Rejects Left-Right Labels

Gadi Eizenkot, former Chief of Staff of the Israel Defense Forces and current chairman of the Yashar party, spoke in a radio interview on 103FM with Gideon Oku about his political stance. He emphasized that he does not identify with the traditional Israeli political divisions of left or right, describing himself instead as a patriotic Zionist who dislikes such labels. When directly asked if he is left or right, Eizenkot responded without hesitation that he never defined himself by these terms.

During the interview, Eizenkot also discussed recent political polls showing weakening support for both Benjamin Netanyahu and himself, while other politicians like Trooper and Handel are gaining ground. To illustrate his political evolution, Eizenkot revealed his voting history before entering politics, stating that he previously voted for centrist and center-right parties. Notably, he disclosed that he once supported a Likud leader other than Netanyahu, specifically Ariel Sharon.

This candid admission highlights Eizenkot's nuanced political background and his reluctance to be boxed into Israel's polarized political spectrum. His comments come amid ongoing shifts in Israeli political alliances and voter preferences.