Gadi Eisenkot Slams Netanyahu's Leadership During October 7th Attack

Gadi Eisenkot, head of the Yishai party, stated that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's failure to speak with the IDF Chief of Staff for over three hours after the October 7th attack began, and his lack of serious consultations during that period, demonstrates a lack of leadership and poor performance during a critical moment in Israeli history. Eisenkot dismissed Netanyahu's explanation that he was not woken before the attack as a "media trick," asserting that the Prime Minister did not fulfill his duties adequately even after waking up while the country was under a large-scale assault.

The revelation, reported by Kan 11, that Netanyahu did not request to speak with the Chief of Staff for more than three hours after the October 7th attack commenced, has sparked outrage among victims' families and political circles. Representatives from the October Families Council, which includes families affected by the October 7th events, stated that this new information reveals the issue is not just about when Netanyahu was woken, but about his actions from the moment he awoke, while Israeli citizens were being killed and kidnapped. The council emphasized that these hours were crucial, as many victims were still alive, hiding in safe rooms or wounded in the field, seeking help and awaiting the army and state response.

The council stressed that these three hours were not insignificant, potentially being the difference between life and death. They reiterated their demand for an official investigation committee to examine the events of October 7th and determine responsibilities and failures.