Liberman Warns Supporting Gadi Eisenkot Could Cost Votes in Anti-Netanyahu Bloc

Avigdor Liberman, leader of Yisrael Beiteinu, explained in a 103FM radio interview why he currently refrains from endorsing Gadi Eisenkot as the prime minister candidate for the anti-Netanyahu bloc. Liberman warned that declaring support for Eisenkot at this stage could weaken the entire bloc by driving away voters from his party. He estimated that if he endorses Eisenkot, he would lose two Knesset seats, while Naftali Bennett would lose four if he did the same.

Liberman emphasized that during the current election phase, each party should focus on maximizing its own voter base before addressing the question of a unified prime minister candidate. He described an endorsement for Eisenkot now as a "small gain for Gadi but a big loss for the bloc."

On a related note, Liberman praised retired Brigadier General Ofer Winter, whose name has been prominent in political discussions. Despite ideological differences, Liberman called Winter "an honest man, a brave fighter, and a person of values," acknowledging their acquaintance even though they had not spoken in the past year. Liberman welcomed the entry of new quality figures like Winter into politics, despite differing worldviews.

This interview highlights the strategic calculations within the anti-Netanyahu camp as parties prepare for the upcoming elections, balancing individual party strength with coalition unity.