Opposition leader Naftali Bennett told 103FM radio Tuesday morning that he has only respect for Gadi Eisenkot and would sit together with him in government. Bennett said he will do anything — even setting ego aside — to replace the current "very bad government," likening his commitment to Joseph Trumpeldor's answer about what he would do for Zionism: "If a wheel is needed, I will be a wheel."
Opposition leader Naftali Bennett signaled openness to a broad unity government with War Cabinet observer Gadi Eisenkot in a radio interview Tuesday morning on 103FM. "I have only respect for Eisenkot. We will sit together in government," Bennett said, adding that "the public will decide" and that he will do anything to replace the current government, which he called "very bad." He quoted Joseph Trumpeldor's famous response when asked what he would do for Zionism: "If a wheel is needed, I will be a wheel" — framing his willingness to set aside personal ego for political change.
The remarks come amid a shifting political landscape. As The Zioneer previously reported, a June 11 N12 poll showed Eisenkot tying Bennett at 20 seats apiece, with Likud dropping to 22. Bennett has in recent weeks sharpened his attacks on the Netanyahu government, accusing the prime minister of politicizing the October 7 inquiry committee appointments. In a June 14 press conference, Bennett argued that the Israeli leadership must be replaced before the "stopwatch to toppling the Iran regime" can begin.
Bennett's radio comments did not specify a preferred coalition configuration or address potential partners beyond Eisenkot. The interview follows a period of speculation about whether Bennett and Eisenkot would run together or separately in the next elections, with no election date yet set.
- DevelopingGadi Eisenkot hints he would partner with Netanyahu
- StrongBennett says he 'knows how to look Netanyahu in the eye and beat him'
- DevelopingBennett-Eisenkot rift called 'destructive' to the Israeli opposition's prospects
- DevelopingBennett: 'Stopwatch to toppling Iran regime will start when Israeli leadership is replaced'
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