Israeli politician and former Chief of the General Staff of the Israel Defence Forces Gadi Eisenkot has sharply criticised outgoing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, dismissing his recent call for negotiation talks as a political “bluff” and a “spin move”.
Allegations of political theater
In a statement shared on social media on Saturday, Eisenkot noted that the talks Netanyahu called were already scheduled to take place the following day between the negotiating teams of Yesh Atid and Likud. He accused the outgoing prime minister of publicly advocating for unity while simultaneously sowing division, inciting tensions, and disgracing a state ceremony in the Knesset.
“Nice try, but these tricks don't work on me. And they don't work on the citizens of Israel either,” Eisenkot wrote.
Conditions for an emergency government
Reiterating his stance, Eisenkot made clear that any participation in an emergency government under his leadership requires accepting his outlined principles and making a decisive break with extremists.
He asserted that Netanyahu knows he lost the election and faces an overwhelming majority against him both among the public and within the Knesset. Eisenkot characterised the prime minister's maneuvers as a “delaying action” designed to obstruct the formation of a new government and prevent the replacement of the Knesset speaker.
The upcoming test for Likud and religious Zionism
Looking ahead, Eisenkot pointed to an immediate test for Likud and Religious Zionism. Elections are scheduled for Tuesday to appoint MK Matan Kahana – a former lieutenant colonel, squadron commander, and Sayeret Matkal commando – as the new Knesset speaker.
Eisenkot challenged both parties to prove their commitment to genuine political partnership by allowing the democratic process to proceed on schedule and instructing their lawmakers to back Kahana's appointment. He concluded by affirming that work is actively underway to establish a national emergency government as quickly as possible.