Why Gadi Eisenkot is rejecting the haredi political embrace that once helped Netanyahu win

Former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot is navigating a complex political landscape, rejecting a public endorsement from Shas spiritual leader Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef, which would have been a political asset in previous eras. Yosef, who criticized Prime Minister Netanyahu, suggested Shas could support Eisenkot for prime minister, calling him "a good person, a warm Jew." However, Eisenkot quickly distanced himself, stating, "I am not flirting with them." This reflects a shift in Israeli politics, where issues like haredi conscription are now paramount for many voters, making an alliance with haredi parties a liability. Eisenkot's strategy involves maintaining maximum flexibility on potential coalition partners, including haredi and Arab parties, by outlining three principles for eligibility: recognition of Israel as a Jewish nation-state, acceptance of the Declaration of Independence, and the obligation of military or national service. This approach, which avoids ruling out any specific bloc, aims to prevent limiting his options before the next election, a lesson potentially learned from Naftali Bennett's past political reversals.