איזנקוט: "כל חוקי הממשלה הזו יבוטלו; איחוד בנט ולפיד - שגוי"

Overview

Gadi Eisenkot (chairman of the Yesh Atid/Yashar party) argues that the current governing coalition has passed laws that should be immediately repealed if he forms the next government. He points to Knesset decisions made during wartime—when the IDF is operating in multiple theaters—as a breach of trust, and says that “all these laws” would be abolished upon taking office.

Ultra-Orthodox Draft: Integration Without Social Division

A major theme is the Ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) draft and how enforcement should work.

• Eisenkot says he supports recruiting Haredi men for the IDF.
• However, he prefers enforcement through the military police rather than street-level arrests by civilians.
• He frames the central goal as ensuring that young men and women enlist, emphasizing that service is mandatory.
• He claims that prior to the post–Oct. 7 conscription changes, large numbers were evading service.

Eisenkot’s Proposed Model

He describes a framework for integrating Haredim without creating social division, built around four principles:

1. A draft applies to Haredi groups
2. A national civil-military framework that ends the current system of deferments/exemptions recognized by the state
3. Sanctions for those who evade service
4. An orderly arrangement for a limited, agreed number of Torah students, stated as 3% per year, referencing an approach attributed to Ben-Gurion during Israel’s War of Independence

Coalition “Clear Lines”

Eisenkot says he will only join a government with parties that accept three principles:

• Israel as Jewish and democratic
• The values of Israel’s Declaration of Independence
• The obligation to serve in the IDF, including national/civilian service

He stresses that if these conditions are not met, he will not join a coalition—even if it costs him power and triggers new elections.

Anti-Netanyahu Bloc: Unity and Strategy

Eisenkot addresses internal leadership dynamics within the anti-Netanyahu “Change bloc.”

• Despite Netanyahu being a frequent target of criticism, Eisenkot claims he has not yet seen unity inside the bloc.
• He raises questions about whether other parties will support the bloc’s candidate for prime minister.
• He describes a political strategy aimed at reaching over 60 seats.
• He highlights potential partnerships with right-leaning figures, citing poll momentum and the political significance of alliances (including references such as connections between Hili Tropper and Yoaz Handel).

Arab Party Participation

On Arab participation in coalition politics:

• Eisenkot says he does not want to disqualify specific Arab figures based purely on identity.
• He does, however, say he does not believe any Arab party has clearly accepted his three coalition principles.
• He criticizes Netanyahu’s alleged “divide and rule” approach toward Arab citizens, including claims that Netanyahu labels or excludes parts of the Arab public.
• He adds that Smotrich supports this approach.

Palestinian Issue: Separation vs. Annexation

Eisenkot contrasts two approaches:

• Separation from Palestinians, which he says has failed
• Controlling territory and Palestinians

He argues his guiding principle is maintaining a Jewish state with a strong Jewish majority, while ensuring Israel remains strongly democratic and liberal. He warns that annexing (as he frames it) would bring millions of Palestinians into Israel, which he describes as a serious threat to the Zionist project.

• He supports separation/self-rule, rather than annexation.

Personal Background and Identity

On personal identity and framing:

• Eisenkot says his Moroccan origin is something he is proud of.
• He rejects framing himself as “a king for your happiness.”
• He acknowledges that his identity has become politicized recently.
• He claims recent support from religious Zionist communities is tied more to leadership, respect shown during visits, and personal conduct than to his origins alone.

External Involvement (U.S. Intervention)

Eisenkot criticizes external involvement in Israeli politics, including U.S. intervention such as a presidential pardon request involving Netanyahu. He describes this as unwanted interference in Israeli politics and elections.

Presenters/Contributors

• Gadi Eisenkot (speaker)