Itamar Ben Gvir Rebukes Dudi Amsalem Over Gadi Eizenkot's Political Alignment

Itamar Ben Gvir, Israel's National Security Minister, sharply criticized fellow Likud minister Dudi Amsalem on Wednesday following Amsalem's radio interview expressing hope that former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eizenkot would join Likud. Ben Gvir accused Amsalem and others in Likud of clinging to the misconception that Eizenkot is a legitimate candidate for a unity government or a broad Zionist coalition. He called Eizenkot a "clear leftist" and claimed that Eizenkot would prefer to form a government with figures like Yair Golan and Mansour Abbas rather than with Amsalem and his allies. Ben Gvir urged his colleagues to "wake up" and abandon this illusion.

Earlier the same day, Amsalem had told Radio 103FM that he would be happy if Eizenkot joined Likud, given his background and profile, but acknowledged that Eizenkot chose a different path. Amsalem emphasized the importance of experience and political grooming before aspiring to leadership roles, noting that military rank alone does not qualify someone to lead the country. He expressed personal admiration for Eizenkot and said he would welcome Eizenkot publicly adopting Likud's platform. Amsalem also reflected on the changed political realities after the October 7 attacks, stating that Israeli Arabs do not want Jews to live in the country and warning against illusions about coexistence.

The exchange highlights internal tensions within Likud ahead of upcoming elections, particularly regarding the party's stance on potential coalition partners and leadership candidates. Amsalem's comments suggest openness to Eizenkot's inclusion, while Ben Gvir's response underscores a hardline approach rejecting any cooperation with left-leaning figures or Arab parties. The debate signals ongoing struggles over the direction of the right-wing bloc in Israel's political landscape.