Eisenkot Accuses Netanyahu of Undermining Election Results

Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the National Unity Party, accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Likud party on Thursday of attempting to delegitimize the election results. Eisenkot called for allowing professional bodies to complete their investigation into suspicions of foreign state interference in the elections, stating it is too early to determine the facts. He emphasized that he would not permit any deviation from the scheduled swearing-in of the Knesset, asserting Israel's rule of law.

Eisenkot reported meeting with the head of the Shin Bet and the chairman of the Central Elections Committee to receive updates. He stressed that the investigation must be completed without political involvement. He condemned foreign interference, particularly from a state he described as funding terrorism and supporting Hamas, without naming Qatar. However, he noted Qatar's recent success in penetrating the Prime Minister's office and called for an investigation into whether they attempted to influence the elections and through whom.

Eisenkot further criticized Netanyahu and Likud, claiming they initiated an organized campaign to delegitimize the election results because they lost and lack a majority. He outlined his party's legislative plans for the upcoming Knesset session, including a conscription law for all citizens, a state inquiry commission for the Simchat Torah massacre, and changes to budget mechanisms to prioritize those who serve.

"The days when Netanyahu used state institutions against Israel's interests and for his personal needs are over," Eisenkot declared, vowing to advance these plans with his partners upon the Knesset's opening.