Eisenkot: Won't allow delay in Knesset swearing-in ceremony

After meeting with Shin Bet chief David Zini and Central Elections Committee chairman Noam Solberg, Yesh! party leader Gadi Eisenkot said Thursday he will not allow any delay in the swearing-in of the Knesset, this amid reports of Qatari interference in the elections.

"I met earlier with the Shin Bet chief and the chairman of the Central Elections Committee, and received an update on the situation," Eisenkot said. "It is too early to understand what happened and whether anything happened at all. We must allow the professionals to complete their investigation without political interference."

Eisenkot made clear that "foreign interference in the State of Israel is improper and serious, all the more so when it involves a country that finances terror and supports the Hamas terror organization, which has managed in recent years to penetrate the Prime Minister's Office. It is important to investigate whether they tried to influence, and through whom they tried to influence."

"What is already clear is that the Likud and Netanyahu have launched an orchestrated and organized campaign to delegitimize the election results. Their statements and briefings were prepared in advance," he charged. "They are doing this because they lost, they have no majority. In the State of Israel there is rule of law, and I will not allow a centimeter of deviation from the swearing-in of the Knesset as planned."

Eisenkot continued by addressing "the public that serves and works, those determined to live in the State of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state, liberal, strong, equal and secure. In offices right here next to me, work teams are already completing preparations to introduce a draft and service law for all citizens of Israel, to establish a state commission of inquiry into the October 7 massacre, a law to change the budget mechanism and give preference to the serving public, and more. The plans are ready, and in coordination with my partners we will act to bring them to a vote when the Knesset session opens."

"I intend to act to fortify and protect the interests of those who work, those who enlist and those who are committed to the values of the Declaration of Independence," he pledged. "I am here to fight for you, and I am determined to fight for your interests."

"The days when Netanyahu used state institutions against Israeli interests are over"

"Citizens of Israel, one thing is certain: the days when Netanyahu used state institutions against Israeli interests and for his personal needs, are over," Eisenkot declared. "No spin and no consciousness operation will obscure the following fact: the majority of the Israeli public voted against the government of October 7 and draft-dodging."

"Israel is in a complex political situation. I intend to act as I have always acted, with composure and determination," he concluded. "I call on everyone to also show composure and restraint. Hold on to your patience, there is hope, we will bring it. I promise."