Gadi Eisenkot's Campaign Faces Scrutiny Over Past Statements

Gadi Eisenkot, a former member of the war cabinet and a candidate for prime minister, has launched his election campaign with the slogan "Israel Must Win," criticizing the current government's failure to achieve war objectives. However, archival footage and past statements reveal a significant divergence between his current assertive stance and his positions during the war.

During crucial months of the conflict, Eisenkot reportedly advocated for halting IDF operations for "as long as necessary," suggested foregoing an entry into Rafah while Hamas leaders were still alive, and called for a political settlement with Hezbollah before major military actions in Lebanon. These past positions contrast sharply with his current campaign narrative, which positions him as a strong security alternative to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Specifically, in May 2024, Eisenkot suggested adjusting war plans to conclude the Gaza conflict without entering Rafah, arguing it would not aid hostage release. He also reportedly told Knesset foreign affairs and defense committee members that a ceasefire in Gaza should be pursued alongside a hostage deal, implying a surrender to Hamas's demand for a complete end to the war. His approach to the northern front also reportedly favored a settlement based on UN Resolution 1701 rather than a decisive military strike against Hezbollah.

Eisenkot's campaign team has responded by stating that his past recommendations were correct and that Netanyahu's lack of strategy undermined war achievements and hostage recovery efforts. They claim Eisenkot urged translating military pressure into a deal for hostage release and proactively shifting military focus northward. The team also asserted that Eisenkot pushed for offensive plans after the Iranian attack on April 14, 2024, which Netanyahu rejected, and that the war cabinet unanimously agreed on the Rafah operation and a 84-day ceasefire deal on May 27, 2024.

The discrepancy between Eisenkot's campaign rhetoric and his documented past statements raises questions about his authentic positions and suggests an attempt to reframe his wartime conduct regarding Hamas and Hezbollah.