Scandal in Likud — Amsalem's remarks hit the campaign

Minister Dudi Amsalem said he is ready to help Gadi Eisenkot join Likud on condition he accepts party principles, sparking a scandal within the party. He later clarified it was a hypothetical scenario and expressed support for Netanyahu. A Maariv poll showed Eisenkot leading Netanyahu by 10 points (48% vs 38%), and 52.2% of readers believe Amsalem's words harmed the Likud campaign.

Minister Dudi Amsalem sparked a scandal in Likud by stating in an interview with radio station 103FM that he is willing to facilitate Gadi Eisenkot's entry into the party, provided he accepts the party's principles. This raised concerns among the movement's leadership and the circle of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who saw it as a possible internal rebellion or an attempt to bring an opponent closer. However, after a full listening of the interview, tensions eased: Amsalem clarified that it was a hypothetical scenario and expressed full support for Netanyahu, calling him the only suitable candidate for prime minister. He also criticized internal procedures in Likud, saying the party does not belong to any one person. Against this backdrop, a Maariv poll showed Eisenkot leading Netanyahu by ten points in overall suitability for prime minister (48% vs 38%), and 52.2% of readers believe Amsalem's words damaged the Likud campaign. Eisenkot, leader of the Yashar party, is trying to expand his electoral base among right-wing voters by visiting northern moshavim.