Israeli Politicsupdated 1h ago3 min read
Gadi Eizenkot Says Netanyahu Is Unfit To Lead As Elections Approach
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Eisenkot declares Netanyahu unfit to lead as elections near. Polls show Eisenkot narrowly ahead of Netanyahu before the vote.
Eizenkot attacks Netanyahu
Opposition leader Gadi Eizenkot said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was no longer fit to lead the country as elections approached, warning that Netanyahu’s economic plan to face potential international sanctions threatened national security. Eizenkot accused Netanyahu of wanting to dismantle the Israeli economy for future generations after having dismantled Israeli society and weakened the army, and he ridiculed the plan as “Bibicoin.” Netanyahu said he had asked for the drafting of an economic plan that would provide for alternative means of payment, including cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology, to anticipate potential international economic and banking sanctions.
Netanyahu also warned that American military aid would not last forever, urging Israel to prepare for its possible interruption and to strengthen its military autonomy. Eizenkot warned that the consequences of economic isolation could include a decrease in the number of jobs and in resources devoted to health and education, undermining national security.
Rallies, unity, and security
Gadi Eisenkot held his final major rally before the vote, vowing to unite the country while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sought to tar his main rival as soft on Iran.
Eisenkot told the crowd, “Our goal is not for one side to defeat the other. That is not our way,” and he pledged “a commitment to security and the economy.”
Netanyahu appeared after Eisenkot’s rally on Channel 14 and suggested the ex-general and his allies “want to create a Palestinian state, a catastrophe for Israel.”
Eisenkot also warned that Netanyahu would do whatever it takes to remain in power, telling voters, “I see the polls, I know the data, and I know Netanyahu – he will stop at nothing, no lie and no extreme measure, to remain in power,” at a Tel Aviv rally.
Shin Bet said it would provide protection for Yaïr Golan, Gadi Eisenkot, and Ofer Winter two days before the legislative election on October 27, with the protection of Eisenkot provided by a private security company supervised by Shin Bet’s Unit 730.
Election integrity and stakes
Eizenkot accused Netanyahu of trying to sabotage the legislative elections scheduled for October 27, warning, “Netanyahu is trying to sabotage the elections in Israel,” in an interview on Israeli radio 103 FM. Eizenkot urged Netanyahu to “immediately end any involvement or interference on your part and that of your associates in the electoral process,” and he said his party sent an urgent request to the Electoral Commission to obstruct a meeting between Netanyahu and Police Commissioner Danny Levy. Israel’s government’s legal adviser, Gali Baharav-Miara, called for the meeting to be canceled, saying it is unacceptable for the political sphere or candidates to interfere in the management of elections and the guarantee of their integrity.
At the same time, the Supreme Court clarified a ban on relaying polling station turnout information to parties, and the Israeli Democracy Guard welcomed the ruling and called on the Central Elections Committee to update guidelines to prevent disruptions and violations of the law. As voters head to the polls on Tuesday, October 27, the political contest remains tied to accountability for the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack, with protesters at Hostages Square demanding a state commission of inquiry that Netanyahu rejects.