Eisenkot Hits Back at Netanyahu, Defends Campaign Team Ahead of Knesset Elections
MK Gadi Eisenkot launched a sharp counterattack against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, rejecting elite puppet claims and criticizing Netanyahu's fitness for office ahead of the Knesset elections.
With the 26th Knesset elections just a week away, MK Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the Yashar party, has launched a scathing counterattack against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his inner circle. In a wide-ranging interview on 103FM, Eisenkot dismissed accusations that he is being used as a puppet by Ashkenazi elites and fiercely defended his campaign manager and close advisor, former IDF Spokesperson Ronen Menalis.
Targeting Netanyahu and Inner Circle Ties
Addressing claims regarding his campaign leadership, Eisenkot did not hold back in criticizing the prime minister and his associates. He pointedly attacked Yonatan Urich, a close aide to Netanyahu, referencing recent reports concerning financial ties with Qatar. Eisenkot stated that Netanyahu is unfit to lead, pointing to what he described as a dysfunctional relationship with individuals under serious legal scrutiny. "This is the man closest to him. It proves more than anything that the State of Israel does not have a prime minister fit to govern," Eisenkot asserted.
Eisenkot also dismissed allegations spread by Likud supporters regarding a 2018 article he authored, which opponents claimed supported a Palestinian state. He labeled the campaign a deliberate distortion characteristic of Netanyahu's political strategy, which he described as relying on intimidation, falsehoods, and division. According to Eisenkot, the accusations are entirely unfounded and designed to mislead voters in the final stretch of the election campaign.
Security Assessments and US Intervention
Commenting on the possibility of delaying the upcoming elections due to security concerns, Eisenkot stated that he sees no direct or immediate threat that would justify disrupting the democratic process. He emphasized that holding elections on schedule is a vital component of Israel's national resilience. While expressing deep distrust in Netanyahu's decision-making capabilities, Eisenkot affirmed his complete confidence in the current military leadership and the intelligence apparatus.
Regarding US President Donald Trump's involvement in the Israeli electoral process, Eisenkot noted that it would have been preferable for foreign leaders to stay out of domestic politics. Nevertheless, he expressed appreciation for Trump's historical contributions to Israel's security, particularly regarding countering the Iranian threat, while stressing that ultimately only Israeli citizens will determine the composition of the next government.
Political Strategy and the Race Ahead
Concluding the interview, Eisenkot addressed the tight electoral race against Likud. He emphasized his primary objective: ensuring that the Yashar party emerges significantly larger than Likud to prevent political deadlock and form a stable governing coalition. With only days remaining until voters go to the polls, Eisenkot expressed unwavering confidence in bringing about substantial political change across the country.
