Eisenkot: More Elections Over Draft Compromise

Yashar chairman Gadi Eisenkot said Saturday night that he would rather go to another election than compromise on the issue of Haredi enlistment, clarifying his position after meeting with Degel HaTorah leader MK Moshe Gafni.

The meeting with Gafni drew criticism from opponents of any compromise with the Haredi parties, but Eisenkot said he is speaking with MKs from across the political system, including Haredi lawmakers and Likud members, as part of an effort to understand how to bring elections forward and prepare for the next government.

“I meet with Knesset members from the coalition, both Haredim and Likud members,” Eisenkot said in an interview with Channel 12. “I am examining how to bring the elections forward as much as possible, and also how to lead the State of Israel to the right place, even while this coalition still exists.”

Eisenkot said his approach is not based on political boycotts, but on clear principles.

“What guides me is not ‘what no,’ because I hear others saying no Haredim, no Arabs, no Ben Gvir, no Smotrich, no Netanyahu,” he said. “I say what yes: I will sit with anyone who accepts three basic principles: a Jewish and democratic state, the values of the Declaration of Independence, and the obligation of military and national service for Haredim and Arabs.”

Eisenkot then made clear that his position on Haredi enlistment has not changed.

“It is hard to say about me that I change positions,” he said. “Unlike others who thought Haredim should not be drafted, my positions regarding Haredi enlistment have not changed.”

He added that the issue would be a red line in coalition negotiations.

“I am saying this for the thousandth time: if what stands between me and forming a government is an evasion law, I will prefer to go to another election and not compromise on service for all,” Eisenkot said.

His comments come as polls show Yashar gaining strength while Naftali Bennett’s Together party loses ground. A Kantar poll published last week gave Yashar 17 seats, while Together dropped to 22.

Bennett attacked Eisenkot last week over his proposed service framework and his meeting with Gafni, saying: “What Gafni and Deri forgot, Eisenkot and Yair Golan have not yet learned.”