Minister Dudi Amsalem Supports Gadi Eizenkot Joining Likud Party

Israeli Minister Dudi Amsalem expressed strong support for former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eizenkot joining the Likud party ahead of the upcoming Knesset elections. In a radio interview on August 5, 2026, Amsalem said he would be naturally pleased if Eizenkot, who has a military background and origins aligned with Likud's base, officially joined the party. He emphasized that Eizenkot would fit well within Likud if he abandons what Amsalem called "illusions about the Arabs," referencing the changed security reality after the October 7 attacks.

Amsalem noted that although Eizenkot grew up in a military environment dominated by left-wing figures, he personally sympathizes with him and believes that without his military background, Eizenkot would likely have been part of Likud. The minister also criticized internal party dynamics amid the Likud primaries, asserting that the party does not belong to any individual, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Amsalem sarcastically suggested allowing Netanyahu to form the entire candidate list, comparing the situation to the political style of Yair Lapid.

The comments highlight ongoing political maneuvering within Likud as it prepares for the next elections, with Amsalem positioning Eizenkot as a potential influential figure in the party's future. The interview was conducted by Gideon Oku and Amichai Etali on the 103FM radio program "Sheva Tesha."