Israeli election contender Gadi Eisenkot calls for national unity ahead of vote

Israeli election candidate Gadi Eisenkot addressed a crowd of hundreds on Sunday, promising to heal societal divisions and commit to security and economic stability. He said the goal was not for one side to defeat the other, adding, "We will work to bring all Israelis together again – those who voted for us and those who did not."

Eisenkot, a former army chief, also announced plans for a state commission of inquiry into the failures that preceded the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. He appealed to Likud supporters, stating, "Deep down, you too know that Israel cannot go on like this. Israel needs change."

U.S. President Donald Trump used his Truth Social platform to urge Israelis to vote for Netanyahu, describing the Prime Minister as an "outstanding Warrior Prime Minister" and citing the U.S.-Israel stance against Iran as an example of "winning together."

Netanyahu, who is facing a corruption trial, has framed his campaign around opposition to a Palestinian state and the ongoing conflict with Iran. He accused Eisenkot and his allies of seeking a Palestinian state, calling it a "catastrophe for Israel," and reiterated that only his government could complete the effort to curb Iran's nuclear program.

Opposition leader Yair Lapid, who has indicated a willingness to join a coalition with Eisenkot, criticized Netanyahu, saying the prime minister had "lost his grip" and called for his removal.

Voters at Eisenkot's rally expressed personal confidence in his leadership, with one attendee stating a desire for officials whose values they could trust.