Likud’s Dudi Amsalem Expresses Conditional Support for Gadi Eizenkot Joining Party

In a recent interview on FM103, Likud Minister Dudi Amsalem expressed a rare show of sympathy toward former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eizenkot, amidst widespread criticism of Eizenkot on Channel 14. Amsalem stopped short of fully endorsing Eizenkot’s entry into Likud, stating he would be "happy" if Eizenkot embraced the party’s political lines, particularly regarding a tougher stance on Palestinians and judicial reforms targeting the Supreme Court.

Amsalem’s remarks included controversial racial undertones, as he suggested Eizenkot’s natural place was in Likud due to his "profile" and origins, implicitly referencing Eizenkot’s Moroccan background from Eilat. He criticized the military environment where Eizenkot rose, claiming it was dominated by left-wing figures who influenced him away from Likud’s ideology. Amsalem implied that without his military upbringing, Eizenkot would likely have joined Likud.

This perspective reflects ongoing tensions within Israeli politics about the military’s influence and ethnic identity in political alignment. The article notes that such statements would have sparked major controversy a decade ago but now attract limited attention. Additionally, the piece briefly mentions Maayan Pereti’s transition from a consumer affairs reporter at Channel 12 to spokesperson for the Histadrut labor federation, highlighting media and organizational dynamics.

The interview and its reception illustrate the complex interplay of politics, ethnicity, and military culture in Israel’s ruling party, as well as the cautious approach toward integrating prominent military figures into political ranks.