Golan Slams Eisenkot's 'Big Party' Campaign Ahead of Elections

With less than 24 hours until polls open, a public dispute has erupted within the "change bloc" of Israeli politics. Yair Golan, chairman of the Democrats, directly criticized Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the "Yashar" party, on Monday, calling Eisenkot's "big party" campaign strategy a "dangerous lie" designed to weaken the bloc.

Golan argued in an X post that a strong Democratic presence is crucial for the bloc's stability, warning that a coalition without strong Democrats could collapse. He referenced the previous election, where he claimed Yair Lapid's "big party" campaign led to defeat. Golan urged voters not to be swayed by the "big party" narrative, emphasizing the necessity of strong Democrats in the next government and proposing collaboration rather than internal conflict with Eisenkot.

Eisenkot, in an interview on Channel 13's "Haolam Ha'boker," stated he would be the next prime minister. When questioned about other bloc parties not recognizing him as the candidate, he acknowledged a "debate about leadership" but assured it wouldn't be a problem, recalling his previous stance that the largest party's leader should automatically get the mandate to form a government.

During a campaign event in Tel Aviv on Sunday, Eisenkot sharply criticized the current government's performance over the past four years, accusing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his administration of intentionally damaging social cohesion and mishandling the war. He warned that another four years under this government would lead to Israel's demise, contrasting it with a vision of Zionism, service, and unity.

Eisenkot outlined a detailed plan for national priorities, including establishing a state inquiry commission on his first day, forming a national crime cabinet within a week, and initiating legislation for universal conscription. He also pledged to enact a "priority law for the conflict line" within a month, implement a government-wide "service and work priority" policy within a year, and ensure Hamas no longer controls Gaza within 18 months. Furthermore, he committed to mandating core curriculum studies for all Israeli students within four years.

Eisenkot appealed directly to Likud and coalition voters, particularly those in service and peripheral communities, urging them to choose change. He cautioned against complacency within the change bloc and warned that Netanyahu aims for a tie to remain in power, stressing that his party finishing significantly ahead of Likud is essential for a stable government and to prevent further elections. He predicted "spin and lies" from opponents in the final hours before the vote.