Eisenkot to resign from Knesset, leave Gantz' party over differences
2 Min Read
MK Gadi Eisenkot is set to resign from the Israeli parliament and leave the "National Unity" party, citing deep ideological differences with leader Benny Gantz.
-
Former Israeli Security Minister Benny Gantz (2nd-R) and former Israeli army chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot (R), meet with the visiting US Secretary of State in Tel Aviv on February 8, 2024. (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Israeli lawmaker Gadi Eisenkot has informed "National Unity" party leader Benny Gantz of his decision to resign from the Israeli Knesset and leave the party, Israeli media reported.
In a statement released by "National Unity", Eisenkot said he will "return his mandate to the party," effectively ending his tenure as a lawmaker.
The move comes amid what Gantz described as "significant ideological gaps" between their respective worldviews, particularly on how best to serve "Israel".
Gantz, Eisenkot part ways
Despite the political separation, both leaders emphasized their longstanding friendship and mutual respect.
"The two emphasized the years-long friendship and tremendous respect between them, and that they will continue to cooperate for the shared goals and the people of Israel in the future," the party statement read.
Gantz reiterated that Eisenkot remains "a personal friend before anything else," noting that their personal relationship would continue even as they part ways politically.
It is noteworthy that in June 2024, both Gantz and Eisenkot resigned from the Israeli war cabinet over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government's handling of the war on the Gaza Strip.
Read more: Netanyahu hits back at Gantz, Eisenkot after harsh criticism
