Gadi Eizenkot Criticizes Bennett and Lapid for Rejecting Broad Opposition Alliance Proposal

Gadi Eizenkot, former IDF Chief of Staff and current chairman of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, revealed during a recent event in Yavne that he had proposed forming a broad, unified opposition alliance to Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid before their political merger. He described his idea as a "super party, a large aircraft carrier," suggesting they establish foundational principles and select key figures together. However, Eizenkot said both leaders rejected the proposal outright, leading him to run independently with his own party.

Regarding the current Bennett-Lapid alliance, Eizenkot called it a strategic mistake, stating that a more structured three-way coalition would have been preferable. He emphasized that his decision to run separately was not driven by ego, but by data indicating the merger actually weakens the opposition bloc, which now holds 58 or 59 Knesset seats compared to 60 previously.

Eizenkot also sharply criticized Religious Zionist Party leader Bezalel Smotrich, accusing him of advocating for dismantling the Palestinian Authority, annexing the West Bank, and forcibly relocating Palestinians. He described Smotrich’s vision as unrealistic and harmful, asserting that as long as Smotrich holds these views, Eizenkot sees no possibility for partnership. He concluded by questioning how Israel can remain a Jewish and democratic state while controlling millions of Palestinians and attempting to conscript them into the military, calling the idea absurd.

Eizenkot’s comments shed light on internal opposition tensions ahead of upcoming elections and highlight ideological divides within the right-wing and opposition camps in Israel.