Seth Levy

NEW Gadi Eisenkot, Benjamin Netanyahu's main rival and leader of the Yashar party, says a majority of Israelis — by more than half a million votes — voted against "the government of October 7 and draft-dodging," and that any Knesset member willing to sign on to his four principles is a potential partner in a new government. He also warns that some are working to cast doubt on the results. His principles: — Recognize Israel as a Jewish, democratic, liberal and egalitarian state. — Uphold the values of Israel's Declaration of Independence. — Support mandatory military, national or civilian service for all Israeli citizens. — Recognize Hamas as a terrorist organization and support destroying its military and governing power in Gaza. Eisenkot also says he intends to use the parliamentary majority immediately to establish a state commission of inquiry into October 7, advance mandatory service for all Israelis and expand the number of people serving in the IDF, and repeal Netanyahu's judicial overhaul laws, which he calls "regime-coup laws." On the war, he says it is not over and its goals have not been achieved — but until a new government is sworn in, he will back military operations only against direct, immediate threats to Israel that cannot wait. He says a supreme effort must be made to avoid another election, that the decision on the next government belongs to Israeli citizens alone "without involvement and manipulation," and warns the coming weeks will be full of spin and lies.