Government Presidency Candidate Eisenkot: Majority Voted Against the 'October 7 Government'

Gadi Eisenkot, head of the Yesh Atid party and the Change Camp’s candidate for Prime Minister of Israel, stated: “The vote-counting process is complete, and the elections have concluded. Regardless of the perspective from which the results are viewed, the majority of Israelis, by a margin of more than half a million votes, voted against the October 7 government, against evasion of military service, and for change. This majority exists among Israelis in general, and among the Zionist public that serves in the military and serves the state.

Over the past year, these elections have been described as the most important in Israel’s history, and their results are clear, despite attempts by some to cast doubt on them.

I pledged to reunite Israel and put an end to the culture of lies led by Netanyahu, which has torn our society apart from within. I pledged that, under my leadership, no side would triumph over another, and that the era of ‘us’ versus ‘them’ would come to an end. Based on these commitments, I will continue working to achieve these goals in the coming weeks.

At the same time, I intend to move immediately to translate the clear parliamentary majority into steps that benefit all Israelis. This includes establishing an official investigation commission, enacting mandatory national service for all, taking immediate measures to increase the number of those serving in the Israel Defense Forces and strengthening the military, providing appropriate rewards and recognition to those who serve, and repealing laws associated with the judicial overhaul plan, among other measures.

Do not let anyone mislead you: In Israel, the Knesset grants the government its confidence, not the other way around.

During the election campaign, I set a goal of forming a Zionist government with a vision, based on the broadest possible national consensus, working to heal divisions and fundamentally change the course in which Israel is heading.

To achieve this, I will coordinate with my partners and work to expand the coalition to reflect the will of the voters, and to immediately improve Israel’s domestic and international standing.

Any Knesset member willing to sign these principles is a potential partner in forming a new and better government for Israel.

It is clear that the high voter turnout, along with the challenges we face, necessitates extraordinary efforts to avoid new elections and prevent entering into another prolonged political crisis.

On October 27, the public expressed its will. The decision regarding the composition of the next Israeli government rests solely with Israel, without interference or manipulation, as it should be.

Now, the responsibility lies with us, the elected representatives, to do everything in our power to translate the people’s will into reality.

I will do everything in my power to achieve the broadest possible national consensus, so that we can begin the process of reform and rebuilding the country.

Finally, the war against our enemies is not yet over, and its objectives have not been achieved.

Until the new government is formed, I will not support the execution of military operations except in response to direct and immediate threats to Israel that cannot be postponed until the new government takes office.”