Likud Urges MPs to Back Netanyahu, Attacks Gadi Eizenkot Amid Lebanon Deal and Trial Debate

Ahead of upcoming media interviews, Israel's Likud party distributed a message sheet to its Knesset members and ministers focusing on three key issues: the recent agreement with Lebanon, the formation of the next government, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's ongoing trial. Regarding Lebanon, Likud hailed Netanyahu's deal as a "historic achievement," emphasizing that Israel secured strategic depth in southern Lebanon with US and Lebanese consent to dismantle Hezbollah's terror infrastructure and protect northern Israeli residents. The party stressed that Hezbollah was not a party to the agreement and highlighted a 29 billion shekel investment in northern Israel's rehabilitation.

On the political front, Likud instructed its officials to assert that only Netanyahu can form a broad national government based on principles rejecting personal boycotts, recognizing Israel as the Jewish nation-state, and opposing a Palestinian state. The message sheet also directed attacks against Gadi Eizenkot, leader of the "Yisrael" party, accusing him of cooperating with the "Brothers in Arms" refusal organization and opposing the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Likud urged ministers to convey that "we will not sit under left-wing figures like Eizenkot," framing Netanyahu as the sole leader capable of uniting a nationalist government.

The third section addressed Netanyahu's trial, labeling it a "farce tearing the nation apart." Likud claimed that judges found no evidence of bribery and recommended dropping that charge. The party alleged serious prosecutorial misconduct, including illegal investigations, witness pressure, evidence suppression, leaks, and use of Pegasus spyware. Likud called for an end to the trial, blaming it for deep political and social divisions.

Earlier the same day, the Central Elections Committee chairman issued a temporary order to remove a video posted on both the Prime Minister's official and Netanyahu's personal political accounts. The video, featuring Netanyahu discussing hostage release efforts with senior IDF commanders, was challenged by the "Choosing Israel" NGO as illegal election propaganda using public resources. The committee noted the difficulty of the video's dual posting and ordered its removal pending further review.

These developments come amid the launch of the "Yisrael" party's election campaign, with Eizenkot sharply criticizing the current government. He warned Israel faces a crossroads regarding its security and unity, accusing the government of fostering division and avoiding responsibility for failures, including the October 7 attacks. Eizenkot condemned the leadership for weakening the IDF and promoting a cynical election campaign rather than genuine national unity.