Former Netanyahu Aide Claims Prime Minister Is in Panic Over Gadi Eisenkot

Former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu adviser Nir Hefetz stated on Tuesday that the current leader is experiencing intense anxiety regarding the prospect of Yashar party leader Gadi Eisenkot replacing him. Speaking during an interview on 103FM, Hefetz described an atmosphere of panic within the Prime Minister's Office, attributing this stress to the political uncertainty surrounding the formation of a new government. He noted that this emotional state has become a major factor in Netanyahu's recent decision making.

Hefetz detailed the internal dynamics of the leadership, claiming that urgent phone calls from Netanyahu's wife, Sara, and son, Yair, are a constant feature during these times of instability. He described the environment as one where the family's concerns are amplified by the presence of various political figures in the office, including representatives from Qatar and Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana. According to Hefetz, anyone observing the scene closely would immediately perceive the level of distress felt by the prime minister when his personal standing is perceived to be at risk.

The former adviser argued that the transition to opposition would be particularly difficult for Netanyahu and his family. He suggested that the loss of the respect accorded to a sitting prime minister by world leaders would be a significant blow. Hefetz questioned whether Netanyahu would be willing to sit on the opposition benches while Eisenkot enjoys the privileges of the premiership, such as the official state aircraft and a motorcade. He claimed that the dynamic between Netanyahu, Sara, and Yair would become strained, describing the potential shift as worse than the trauma of the hostage crisis.

Addressing Netanyahu's call for a national unity government, Hefetz suggested that the prime minister is likely to become more flexible as Eisenkot moves closer to forming a coalition. He posited that Netanyahu may offer further concessions to prevent Eisenkot from taking office, aiming to preserve his longstanding alliance with the ultra-Orthodox parties. Hefetz noted that without the support of the Arab parties, neither political bloc can secure a majority unless the ultra-Orthodox parties choose a side, a factor that has kept Netanyahu in power since 2015.

Hefetz also compared Eisenkot to former prime minister Naftali Bennett, arguing that the former IDF chief of staff presents a more formidable challenge to Netanyahu. He stated that Netanyahu is aware that Eisenkot is not easily intimidated and that his reputation for credibility is a major asset. This personal standing, Hefetz said, allows Eisenkot to make promises to coalition partners, particularly the ultra-Orthodox parties, that they can trust. Hefetz also suggested that Yisrael Beytenu leader Avigdor Lieberman's recent political behavior may reflect private assurances received from Eisenkot.

Eisenkot received the mandate to form a government from President Isaac Herzog on Sunday, two days before Hefetz's remarks. This mandate followed the Knesset election held on October 27. Eisenkot's efforts to build a coalition have focused on potential cooperation with ultra-Orthodox parties, with Lieberman's stance remaining a central variable in the negotiations. The process is critical as it determines the future direction of the Israeli government.

In his concluding remarks, Hefetz discussed the potential implications of Netanyahu losing office for his ongoing corruption trial. He suggested that Netanyahu's current status has allowed for more flexible scheduling in court proceedings. Hefetz warned that if Netanyahu moves to the opposition, judges may impose stricter attendance requirements, forcing him to appear at every hearing. He argued that the court would take more control of the process, significantly altering the prime minister's daily routine and personal freedom.