Eisenkot: Coalition MKs Approached Me to Replace Netanyahu Early in War

Speaking at the Herzliya Conference at Reichman University in an interview with N12, Gadi Eisenkot detailed a previously unknown political maneuver attempted during the early stages of the war. According to Eisenkot, the coalition MKs who approached him suggested he serve as prime minister for a limited period to "save Israel" during its hour of crisis. The mechanism discussed was a constructive no-confidence vote, a parliamentary procedure that allows the Knesset to replace a sitting prime minister only if a majority also agrees on a specific successor.

This revelation comes as Eisenkot has solidified his position as a primary challenger to Netanyahu, recently launching his formal election campaign. The former Chief of Staff has consistently called for a state commission of inquiry into the events of October 7 and has criticized the current government for what he terms a "detachment" from the needs of the military and reserve families. While Eisenkot did not name the specific MKs involved, the claim highlights the internal fragility that has haunted the coalition since the war's inception. As Eisenkot now leads the opposition bloc in several polls, the disclosure serves to position him as a figure that even coalition members once viewed as a stabilizing alternative during a national emergency.