Eisenkot Slams Netanyahu for Using 'Foreign Interference' to Delay Election Results
Former military chief Gadi Eisenkot accuses PM Netanyahu of using foreign interference claims to delay election results and undermine the 26th Knesset.
In a scathing critique of the current administration, Israel’s opposition leader and former military chief Gadi Eisenkot has accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of attempting to sabotage the democratic process. Eisenkot claims that Netanyahu is leveraging unverified allegations of foreign interference in the elections to undermine the official results and potentially stall the inauguration of the 26th Knesset.
Accusations of 'Consciousness Engineering'
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the leader of the Yashar party did not mince words, asserting that the Prime Minister has a habit of manipulating reality. Eisenkot alleged that Netanyahu and his partners are conducting an "illegitimate influence operation" designed to sow chaos and create a "fictitious delegitimisation" of the upcoming Knesset.
According to Eisenkot, the attempt to use uninvestigated information to question the legitimacy of the results—which he claims show the public voted against a "government of failure"—is entirely unacceptable and must be rejected by the public.
The Qatari Connection and the Call for Investigation
While critical of the Prime Minister's tactics, Eisenkot did find common ground on one point: the danger of foreign meddling. He commended Netanyahu for condemning alleged Qatari involvement in Israeli affairs, noting that such interference is a "gravely serious matter," particularly when it involves a nation that supports Hamas.
Eisenkot demanded that the Shin Bet conduct an immediate, impartial, and thorough investigation into these suspicions. He emphasized that an "iron fist" should be used against anyone found to have compromised the integrity of the elections, while stressing that the 26th Knesset must convene on time to uphold the will of the voters.
The 'Earthquake' Allegations
The political firestorm erupted after Justice Noam Sohlberg, chair of Israel’s Central Elections Committee, directed Shin Bet chief David Zini to investigate claims of improper foreign funding from entities acting against Israeli interests. Justice Sohlberg has requested the findings be submitted within one week.
Prime Minister Netanyahu has described the situation as an "earthquake," alleging that foreign entities interfered in the elections to benefit Arab parties. He has urged Zionist parties to refuse cooperation with the Joint List and Ra’am.
Escalating Tensions and Legal Action
The controversy has drawn support from other high-ranking officials, with Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir calling for action against suspected individuals and Arab party leaders.
Amidst the political turmoil, the Israel Police have assured the public that all complaints regarding election integrity will be investigated without bias. Furthermore, authorities have already announced arrests as part of a separate probe into suspected election bribery.
As rival political blocs fight to secure the 61-seat majority required to form a government, these allegations of foreign interference have added a volatile layer of tension to an already fragile political landscape.