Eisenkot Defends Yashar Partner Amid Coalition Pressure

Coalition negotiations in Israel entered a tense phase on Friday as Gadi Eisenkot, the chairman of the Yashar party, publicly defended his faction’s new Knesset member against external criticism.

Eisenkot issued the statement to address remarks made by Miriam Peretz, mother of Yashar MK Elisaf Peretz. Miriam Peretz, an Israel Prize laureate, suggested her son might resign if the new government includes Arab parties. She stated that no Arab party should hold the power to decide whether the state goes to war.

The Yashar leader described the recent atmosphere as a venomous campaign. He cited thousands of harsh messages sent to Yashar members and their families. Eisenkot noted that he has known the Peretz family for nearly thirty years. He said he trusts Elisaf and embraces Miriam, adding that he is less troubled by internal dynamics than by the pressure from outside the party.

Eisenkot argued that those relying on emissaries to deter Yashar do not know the group well enough. He stated that if there are disagreements with his political direction, he is the correct person to address them. This stance marks a shift from two days prior, when Miriam Peretz emphasized unity at her son’s swearing-in ceremony.

The chairman also addressed negotiations with the Arab sector. He described Arab Israelis as victims of a racist campaign of delegitimization fueled by the outgoing prime minister’s circle. Eisenkot stressed that the prime minister represents all citizens, including those who did not vote for him. He called attempts to smear the Arab sector an anti-state act that disgraces the Declaration of Independence.

Eisenkot warned that the coming weeks will be complex. He said he has met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the military secretary to discuss the security situation. He emphasized the need for close oversight during this transition period. He stated that Israel’s security comes before any other consideration and should not be used to gain political capital.

The Yashar chairman plans to speak with every elected official who agrees with the four principles of government formation. His goal is to establish a stable administration as quickly as possible. He views this task as the mandate given to him by the public.