Gadi Eisenkot alluded to his reason for exiting MK Benny Gantz’s National Unity faction during a press conference on Tuesday, although he failed to provide a full explanation for his exit.
Eisenkot began by mentioning the establishment of the National Unity party three years ago, together with Benny Gantz and Gideon Sa'ar, with the aim of creating a liberal democratic state Zionist union. He emphasized that these principles are even more true after the October 7 failure.
He said that he has been working for many months to strengthen the liberal party bloc, with the aim of presenting a governing alternative. Referring to his relationship with Benny Gantz, he clarified that his exit is not a personal matter but rather highlights a substantive debate.
"I thought that a transparent and deep democratization process was needed to build the party as a significant entity, and unfortunately, that didn't happen. There was also a disagreement on the way to create change. We need to build a leadership alternative that will lead to victory in the next elections," Eisenkot said.
"They said there are ideological gaps, I don't recognize that," he said, contradicting Gantz's explanation, which stated that there were "significant ideological differences" regarding the "right way to serve the State of Israel."
The war must be ended from a position of strength
Referring to the war, Eisenkot praised the decision to join the emergency government, claiming that it contributed to strategic stability. He noted with regret that the war in Gaza continues, and that 20 soldiers have been killed in the past month.
Eisenkot sharply criticized the government, claiming that it was “eroding the foundation of solidarity” and harming “the covenant of those who serve.”
He additionally stressed that the Gaza war must be ended from a position of strength and that the hostages must be returned.
This is a developing story.