Gadi Eisenkot to resign from Benny Gantz's National Unity party
Sources close to the Knesset member claim that Eisenkot is on his way out of Gantz's party: 'The game is rigged' • Party head Gantz claims Eisenkot is 'much less influential than he thinks'
Israeli lawmaker Gadi Eisenkot is on his way out of the National Unity party of Benny Gantz, i24NEWS learned on Sunday.
"After a deep and long process of talks between us, my friend Gadi Eisenkot informed me today that he has decided to leave the National unity and retire from the Knesset," Gantz later said. "In recent weeks, significant ideological gaps have emerged in our perceptions regarding the correct way to serve the State of Israel. Gadi is first and foremost a personal friend. He is a worthy man who has served the state for decades and I am sure that he will continue to serve it in his own way. Even if the political partnership between us has ended at this time – the friendship and mutual respect will remain."
The reason is allegedly the selecting body created by party chairman Benny Gantz, which consists of about 150 officials who are dependent on him. An associate of Eisenkot said "it's a rigged game" in the party. "The primaries shaping up in the National Unity party do not allow for real competition." On the other hand, an associate of Gantz are unfazed, claiming that Eisenkot "is much less influential than he thinks he is."