At a Herzliya Conference event at Reichman University, former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett was asked whether he would agree to serve as the No. 2 of former IDF chief Gadi Eisenkot. Bennett replied he is 100% certain they will work together to save Israel in the upcoming elections, which he called the most fateful yet, according to Israeli media reports.
Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has for the first time explicitly stated he is willing to serve as the number two candidate to former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot in the next election. Speaking at the Herzliya Conference held at Reichman University on Wednesday, Bennett was directly asked if he would accept being Eisenkot's running mate. He responded affirmatively, saying: "I have no doubt, 100%, that we will work together and do everything to save the State of Israel in the upcoming elections, the most fateful ones yet."
This marks a significant development in the opposition political landscape. As The Zioneer reported earlier this week, Bennett had signaled openness to serving under Eisenkot in certain circumstances (Tuesday evening). The two were seen together at the same Herzliya Conference earlier on Wednesday, pledging to collaborate. The statement now moves from a conditional openness to a clear, personal declaration by Bennett. The comment also follows a Channel 12 poll from June 11 which showed Bennett and Eisenkot tied at 20 seats each, a strong electoral bloc.
The question of leadership — who would head a joint ticket — has been a central tension in opposition efforts to unseat the current coalition. Eisenkot formally launched his own campaign for prime minister at the end of June. Bennett's concession, offered publicly and without reservation, could accelerate merger talks. The statement was covered by multiple Israeli outlets. No further details on a formal merger, platform, or election date have been announced.
2 developments
- StrongBennett signals readiness to serve under Eisenkot in a replacement government
- StrongBennett calls on Eisenkot to join him for merger talks, says he can beat Netanyahu
- DevelopingBennett says he would 'be a wheel' for Zionism, vows to replace 'very bad government'
- DevelopingCommentary: Bennett faces growing challenge closing gap with Eisenkot
Source and signal
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- Internal intake