Retired Lt. Col. Itamar Eitam Warns of Serious Threat from Opposition Led by Yair Golan
Retired Lt. Col. Itamar Eitam, in an interview with Channel 7, urged the public to take seriously the political declarations and plans of Yair Golan, whom he described as the ideological leader of the opposition government bloc. Eitam coined the term "Season Coalition" to describe the opposition bloc if it wins the upcoming elections, drawing a parallel to the historical "Season" hunting season when Mapai members persecuted right-wing activists with arrests and blacklisting. He accused Golan and his allies of seeking revenge and chaos, citing their threats to shut down right-wing media outlets and remove officials appointed by the right.
Eitam recalled personal experiences of political persecution against his father and others who were not aligned with the left, emphasizing the seriousness of the opposition's intentions. He highlighted Golan's dismissal of other political figures like Naftali Bennett and Gadi Eisenkot, portraying Golan as the sole ideological and practical leader who would shape the future government. Eitam warned that Golan's strategy mirrors that of former Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, aiming to veto decisions, evacuate settlements, and establish a Palestinian state.
He also pointed to the strong backing Golan would receive from the deep state, including media, judiciary, and economic powers, as evidenced by the massive protests against judicial reforms. Eitam expressed skepticism about Bennett and Eisenkot's ability to counter this influence. He explained why some right-wing voters might be drawn to Eisenkot's party, citing a desire for calm and unity after recent turmoil, but warned that ultimately Golan and his allies would lead.
Regarding Eisenkot's potential coalition options, Eitam doubted he would form a government with Likud and other right-wing parties, noting the opposition's strong stance against Netanyahu and the right. He suggested that only a political deadlock could force Eisenkot into such a coalition, and that the left might prefer new elections. Eitam concluded by stressing the need to take the "Season Coalition" threat seriously, given Golan's ideological and practical influence.
