National Unity MK Gadi Eisenkot formally resigns from Knesset
National Unity MK Gadi Eisenkot formally submitted his letter of resignation from the Knesset to Knesset Speaker MK Amir Ohana on Wednesday.
"I have seen greatness in serving the people," he wrote. "I will act with faith and commitment to creating a leadership alternative worthy of the State of Israel."
'Member of Knesset Lt. Gen. (res.) Gadi Eisenkot informed National Unity Party chairman Benny Gantz of his intention to leave the party and return his mandate to it,' the party said in a statement earlier in the week. 'The two emphasized their long-standing friendship and mutual respect, and stated that they will continue to collaborate toward shared goals and for the benefit of the people of Israel in the future as well."
Eisenkot held a press conference on Tuesday, elaborating his reasons for leaving Gantz's party.
Eisenkot began by mentioning the establishment of the National Unity party three years ago, together with Benny Gantz and Gideon Sa'ar, with the aim of creating a liberal democratic state Zionist union. He emphasized that these principles are even more true after the October 7 failure.
He said that he has been working for many months to strengthen the liberal party bloc, with the aim of presenting a governing alternative. Referring to his relationship with Benny Gantz, he clarified that his exit is not a personal matter but rather highlights a substantive debate.
"I thought that a transparent and deep democratization process was needed to build the party as a significant entity, and unfortunately, that didn't happen. There was also a disagreement on the way to create change. We need to build a leadership alternative that will lead to victory in the next elections," Eisenkot said.
Eisenkot has reportedly met with both Opposition Leader MK Yair Lapid and former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, and is considering joining both of them ahead of the next election.
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