Tensions Rise Within Change Bloc Over Eisenkot's Campaign Strategy
Democrats leader Yair Golan and other opposition figures are raising concerns that Yashar! chief Gadi Eisenkot might run a vote-siphoning campaign, risking the stability of the anti-Netanyahu bloc ahead of the upcoming elections.
The leader of the Democrats, Yair Golan, recently expressed concern in private conversations that the chairman of Yashar!, Gadi Eisenkot, might launch a "largest party campaign." According to sources familiar with the discussions, Golan fears such a strategy could siphon votes from the Democrats and ultimately harm the entire anti-Netanyahu bloc.
Lessons from Past Elections
Golan's apprehension stems from the trauma of the previous elections, when Yair Lapid's Yesh Atid conducted a similar "largest party campaign" that drained mandates from Meretz, causing it to fall below the electoral threshold. Golan, who was running with Meretz at the time, personally experienced that political blow. Other parties in the bloc share similar concerns, fearing that Eisenkot's push to secure the top spot could fracture the anti-Netanyahu alliance.
"I am troubled by the possibility that Eisenkot will run the largest party campaign, and I hope he does not. If he does, it will be a mistake," Golan reportedly stated.
Tensions and Coordination Efforts
On the other side, Eisenkot has expressed frustration that Naftali Bennett, leader of Be-Yachad, and Yisrael Beytenu chairman Avigdor Lieberman are unwilling to accept his leadership as head of the bloc's highest-polling party, which he argues hurts their chances of winning. Lieberman openly criticized Eisenkot, stating that his strategy focuses on strengthening himself at the expense of the bloc.
To bridge these divisions, Eisenkot and Lieberman met this week to smooth things over. Meanwhile, the leaders of the change bloc are scheduled to gather this coming Saturday night at Lapid's home in Tel Aviv to coordinate messaging and prevent further public infighting.
