Gadi Eisenkot issued a warning to Shin Bet chief David Zini, cautioning that political elements may attempt to interfere with upcoming elections, while also delivering a sharp critique of the government’s security and political decisions.

Speaking at a political conference, Eisenkot directed pointed criticism at both the political leadership and the security establishment, according to a report by Ynet, focusing heavily on concerns over the integrity of the electoral process.

Addressing Zini directly, Eisenkot warned of possible attempts to undermine the vote. “Zini needs to open his eyes. There will be political actors who will try to sabotage these elections. After what I saw in terms of political organizing around the Supreme Court, my assumption is a strict one—that there will be political actors who will try to disrupt these elections.”

He stressed that the opposition must prepare in advance to oversee the process. “Therefore, as an opposition, we have spoken about the need to establish teams that will monitor every polling station across the State of Israel, from the Central Elections Committee and below, and not assume that there are people of integrity who accept Israeli democracy.”

Eisenkot linked his concerns to broader developments, arguing that recent events signal a challenge to democratic norms. “We are seeing a challenge to Israeli democracy, and therefore we must assume that there needs to be very tight supervision, because those who try to disrupt proceedings in the Supreme Court and cause a situation where Supreme Court justices have to be evacuated during a hearing must be assumed to have no limits. They will do everything to preserve this regime into the future, and therefore the test is a test of action. We need to be very meticulous and assume that this will happen.”

He also launched a direct attack on government policy in Judea and Samaria, placing responsibility on Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu. “I want to say clearly: the one who sowed the wind and we are now reaping the storm is Binyomin Netanyahu, through the most recent coalition agreement. He dismantled the authority of the IDF as the sovereign force in Judea and Samaria, gave Smotrich control over the Civil Administration, and Ben Gvir control over the police in the Judea and Samaria district. In practice, today there is an inability for the military commander to control Judea and Samaria, and therefore we are seeing anarchy.”

Eisenkot also called for decisive action against nationalist violence, urging security officials to acknowledge what he described as a real threat. “I condemn violence and certainly terrorism, and I call on the head of the Shin Bet to open his eyes and not say there is no Jewish terrorism. There is Jewish terrorism. It is a minority, but a minority of hundreds that must be fought.”

He further appealed to Defense Minister Israel Katz to restore administrative detention powers to the IDF, describing them as a key tool in combating terrorism. Referring to recent violent incidents, he said: “To see ten Jews come to a home and set it on fire with its occupants inside—eight people were injured—is something that must be fought with an iron fist.”

In closing, Eisenkot addressed the political arena and his communications with Naftali Bennett. “I see him as a central partner,” he said. “We are corresponding, speaking, even two or three days ago. We have a shared goal—to replace this government and bring a state-oriented Zionist government that will lead the State of Israel and carry out deep reform. Even if we currently have disagreements about the path…”

“What guides me is how to win the elections, period. Ego—I promise—will not be a factor, and I promise I will do everything necessary to win.”

{Matzav.com}