Ex-Netanyahu Aide Backs Eisenkot, Cites Disappointment with Current Government

Edna Halvani, who served for fifty years as the coordinator of visits in the Prime Minister's Office and accompanied leaders like Golda Meir, Yitzhak Rabin, and Benjamin Netanyahu, has announced her support for Gadi Eisenkot ahead of the upcoming Knesset elections. Halvani, who retired in 2022, explained her decision in a post on social media platform X, stating that after much deliberation and consultation, she chose to back Eisenkot as the leader of the "Change bloc." She expressed appreciation for other candidates in the bloc but ultimately decided to support the "Yashar" party chairman, believing he is the one to lead the change.

Halvani described Eisenkot as a worthy, ethical, and humble individual with a rich security background, asserting that he can bring about change alongside the other leaders of the "Change bloc." She encouraged her followers to join her in supporting him and wished everyone success.

In recent interviews, Halvani, a former senior official in the Prime Minister's Office, shared her experiences traveling with Israeli leaders. She also spoke about her complex relationship with the Netanyahu family and expressed disappointment with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's conduct during his long tenure. Halvani criticized the current right-wing government led by Netanyahu, calling it the worst she has witnessed in her fifty years of service. She lamented the internal conflicts and stated that Netanyahu should have resigned on October 8, 2023, accusing him of clinging to power for personal gain and exploiting the state.

Halvani made these remarks on the "Ash" podcast, produced by "The Podium," hosted by stylist Dorin Atias and journalist Jonathan Gal. She recalled telling former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert that as the leader, he was responsible and to blame, questioning why Netanyahu did not apply the same principle to himself.