Amsalem's Interview Sparks Debate Over Gadi Eizenkot's Potential Impact on Likud

A recent interview by Likud's Dudi Amsalem on 103FM stirred controversy within the party regarding Gadi Eizenkot's political positioning and its potential effect on Likud's voter base. While Netanyahu's camp attempts to paint Eizenkot as left-leaning, Amsalem suggested that Eizenkot could have naturally fit into Likud if not for his military background, which shaped his more leftist views. Amsalem expressed personal sympathy for Eizenkot but emphasized that for him to join Likud, Eizenkot would need to adopt the party's hardline stance, especially post-October 7 events, regarding Arab-Israeli relations.

Amsalem clarified that his comments were not an immediate call for Eizenkot's inclusion but rather a conditional scenario dependent on a significant ideological shift. He also criticized internal Likud dynamics, asserting the party does not belong to Netanyahu or any individual but is a popular movement that predates and will outlast current leadership. Despite initial concerns, Amsalem reaffirmed his full support for Netanyahu as the only suitable prime minister candidate currently.

Eizenkot is actively campaigning in right-wing communities, prompting Likud to monitor and counter potential voter shifts to him. The party's early campaign strategy against Eizenkot highlights fears that a government led by him might rely on the Arab party Ra'am, echoing past tactics used against Netanyahu's rivals.

Polling shows Eizenkot leading opposition candidates with 13%, slightly ahead of Avigdor Lieberman at 12%, but 63% of coalition voters remain unconvinced by any opposition leader. In a broader head-to-head, Eizenkot leads Netanyahu by 10 points (48% to 38%), marking the largest gap recorded between them.

A "Maariv" poll of its readers revealed that 52.2% believe Amsalem's remarks harmed Likud's campaign, with many fearing Eizenkot could draw between one to five or more mandates from Likud. Coalition voters tend to estimate a smaller loss, while opposition voters expect a more significant shift. Amsalem's conditional openness to Eizenkot joining Likud underscores the political sensitivity around his potential impact on the party's future.