Eisenkot Rules Out Government With Netanyahu, Cites Oct. 7 Failures

Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the Yamina party, has stated he will not consider forming a government with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, citing Netanyahu's responsibility for the failures leading up to the October 7th Hamas attacks. Eisenkot asserted that Netanyahu should not continue to lead the country.

In an interview with Kan Radio, Eisenkot directly rejected the possibility of a rotation agreement where he and Netanyahu would alternate as prime minister. He recalled Netanyahu's self-proclaimed role as supreme commander on October 7th, stating, "He was negligent in his duties." Eisenkot also referenced ongoing investigations by the Shin Bet and military intelligence, suggesting their findings could have significant repercussions and that responsibility extends beyond Netanyahu to other cabinet members.

Eisenkot's stance complicates potential cooperation not only with Netanyahu but also with elements of the Likud party and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. This contrasts with statements from Yamina's deputy leader, Yoram Cohen, who indicated openness to talks with Smotrich's Religious Zionism party and Likud if Netanyahu were no longer its leader.

Recounting a cabinet meeting on October 11th, Eisenkot described Netanyahu as appearing overwhelmed and unable to control discussions. He and Benny Gantz joined the emergency government believing their role was to stabilize the nation, with Netanyahu reportedly telling them, "You saved us."

Eisenkot also accused Netanyahu of misrepresenting his position on the Gaza operation, claiming Netanyahu falsely states Eisenkot opposed the conquest of Gaza, despite Likud ministers also voting against it. Furthermore, Eisenkot addressed a Haaretz report about a warning from a high-ranking UAE-linked source regarding Hamas intentions before October 7th. While unable to confirm if UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed personally delivered the warning, Eisenkot stated that information about a potential threat did reach Netanyahu's office and that his own checks confirmed the warning's existence, deeming the source credible and the intelligence worthy of further investigation. He suggested Netanyahu's denial of speaking with bin Zayed might be true, but the denial of his office receiving such information is false.