Ex-IDF Chief Eisenkot Slams Netanyahu Over October 7 Warnings

Former IDF Chief of Staff and current MK Gadi Eisenkot launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday, accusing him of leading Israel blindly into the October 7th Hamas attack. Eisenkot's remarks followed a dramatic report alleging that Netanyahu received a direct warning from the President of the United Arab Emirates days before the massacre about Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar's intentions.

Eisenkot cited the report, published by the newspaper Haaretz, stating that the UAE president warned Netanyahu that the situation was about to "explode" and that Sinwar was planning a large-scale attack. The report further claimed that Netanyahu did not share this intelligence with security officials. "Who didn't wake whom?" Eisenkot questioned, referencing Netanyahu's alleged defense that he was not alerted.

Eisenkot vehemently rejected this defense, calling it "ridiculous." He asserted that Netanyahu knew the truth but was "terrified" of it and attempting to evade responsibility. He accused Netanyahu's circle of promoting "pathetic conspiracy theories and betrayal."

Eisenkot called for the immediate establishment of a state commission of inquiry upon the formation of the next government. He stated that the commission should investigate the past decade, clarify what Netanyahu knew or didn't know, uncover the truth, and prevent future disasters. He concluded that Netanyahu received dozens of warnings about October 7 and ignored them all, deeming him "unfit."

The Prime Minister's Office issued a strong denial of the Haaretz report and all allegations contained within it.