Ex-IDF Chief Eisenkot: I Launched Syria Strikes Alone After Netanyahu Unreachable

Former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot revealed that in January 2018, he made the decision to launch extensive strikes in Syria independently after being unable to reach Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for two hours following the downing of an F-16 fighter jet.

Eisenkot recounted the incident at a conference hosted by Ynet and Yediot Ahronot in cooperation with the Israel Democracy Institute. He explained that on January 10, 2018, the IDF was attacking a Syrian facility that had launched a drone into Israel. During the operation, an F-16 crashed.

As the Chief of Staff, Eisenkot, along with the head of military intelligence and the air force commander, decided to conduct a broad retaliatory strike. However, he could not get in touch with Prime Minister Netanyahu for two hours to update him and seek consultation. "I take a decision," Eisenkot stated, describing the moment he proceeded without the premier's direct approval.

Netanyahu eventually appeared at the air force situation room three to four hours after the incident began. Eisenkot, who now chairs the "Yesh!" party, shared this account to illustrate the pressures and decision-making processes during his tenure.