Former IDF Chief Gadi Eizenkot Calls on Ultra-Orthodox Parties to Support Unity Government
The National Security Conference hosted by Ynet, Yedioth Ahronoth, and the INSS featured key figures from Israel's security, military, and political spheres discussing critical issues ahead of a turbulent election season. Former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eizenkot, seen as a leading candidate for prime minister against Benjamin Netanyahu, emphasized his goal to secure a parliamentary majority of 63-64 seats. He urged ultra-Orthodox parties to recognize the gravity of the moment and join a unity government, warning that failure to do so might lead to further elections. Eizenkot also criticized other opposition leaders, asserting that the largest party in the bloc should lead the government.
Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, leader of the Yachad party, declared his intent to designate Qatar as an enemy state if elected. He revealed intelligence that Qatar funds not only Hamas but also Iran's Revolutionary Guards, information known to Netanyahu. Bennett stressed the need to accelerate the downfall of the Iranian regime, which he described as corrupt and unsustainable, while preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir labeled US President Donald Trump naive on Iran and called the Iranian regime "Nazi," advocating for a hardline approach rather than diplomacy. Ben-Gvir also claimed that Palestinian prisoner Marwan Barghouti is attempting to influence Israeli elections by urging Arab parties to unite to restore favorable prison conditions for Palestinian prisoners.
Ra'am party leader Mansour Abbas expressed concern about being excluded from coalitions due to political fears but supported a national service framework for Arab youth. He criticized the government for neglecting crime in Arab communities, describing it as a "state within a state."
Other participants included Democratic Party leader Yair Golan, who positioned Eizenkot as the natural prime ministerial candidate and expressed interest in key ministerial roles. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich dismissed allegations of settler violence in the West Bank as a "marginal social phenomenon" and warned that a new opposition government would be short-lived. Avigdor Lieberman, head of Yisrael Beiteinu, warned that without equal conscription laws including the ultra-Orthodox, direct taxes would rise by 16% and accused Netanyahu of blocking a 2018 operation against Hamas leadership.
Blue and White leader Benny Gantz refused to commit to withdrawing from the race despite poor polling, expressing confidence in his party's growth and calling for a unity government to save the country.
The conference highlighted deep divisions and strategic priorities among Israel's political and security leaders as the nation approaches a critical election cycle.
