Political shakeup in Israel: Opposition MK Gadi Eisenkot leaves National Unity Party and the Knesset

Knesset Member (MK) Gadi Eisenkot announced on Monday evening that he intends to leave the National Unity Party and return his mandate. 

Eisenkot, a former IDF chief of staff, made his announcement to party head, Benny Gantz, after previously requesting primaries within the party.

According to reports in Hebrew news sites, Eisenkot had complained that the primaries were not democratic and were structured to prevent him from winning.

He reportedly said they "do not reflect the principles of democratization that I believe are necessary for a ruling party."

Both leaders, who have known each other for many years, emphasized in statements that they retained a long-standing friendship and great respect, and will continue to cooperate in the future. 

A statement from National Unity said, "The two emphasized their long-standing friendship and mutual respect, and stated that they will continue to collaborate toward shared goals and for the benefit of the people of Israel in the future as well."

Benny Gantz addressed the departure of Eisenkot on Monday evening, stating it was due to ideological differences between them. 

"In recent weeks, significant ideological gaps have emerged in the perceptions between us regarding the right way to serve the State of Israel.”

Gantz praised Eisenkot as a friend and someone “who served the country for decades.” 

“Gadi is first and foremost a personal friend. He is a worthy person, who has served the country for decades, and I am sure that he will continue to serve it in his own way. Even if the political partnership between us ended at this time, the friendship and mutual respect will remain."

According to a report in Channel 14 news, which is seen as supportive of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his coalition, the “ideological gaps” are related to Gantz’s belief that a national consensus government is necessary at the current time. 

Citing a source close to Gantz, the channel reported that Gantz believes in the need for a broad national consensus government, and not in continuing the dispute of political blocs against each other or boycotts of Netanyahu.

Eisenkot reportedly agrees with opposition head Yair Lapid, of the Yesh Atid party, that Netanyahu should continue to be boycotted. 

Reports in Israeli media said Eisenkot is now weighing his options, including starting his own political party; joining the party of Yesh Atid, in which case Lapid could reportedly offer him the chairmanship; or possibly working with former prime minister Naftali Bennett. 

Eisenkot is reported to have met recently with both Lapid and Bennett.

Following Eisenkot’s departure, MK Eitan Ginsburg will replace him in the Knesset. He has previously served as Minister of Communications, Chairman of the Knesset Committee and Deputy Speaker of the Knesset. 

On Tuesday morning, public broadcaster Kan News reported that fellow National Unity party member Matan Kahana is also considering leaving the party, possibly to work with his former political partner Naftali Bennett. 

Several hours later, Kahana and the party confirmed that he would leave the Knesset.

"Gantz thanked Kahana for his partnership and fairness and wished him success," according to an official statement. He will be replaced by MK Yael Ron Ben Moshe.

Kahana has reportedly held secret meetings with Bennett to discuss Bennett’s plans for his new political party.