Eisenkot Aims for Victory, Warns Netanyahu Will Bury Oct. 7 Truth

Gadi Eisenkot, a prominent opposition figure, stated in a special interview that he is closer than any other opposition leader to ousting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, but acknowledged that much can still change before the upcoming elections. Eisenkot outlined the remaining steps for the "change bloc" and addressed criticisms from both the right, regarding his security stances, and the left, concerning the issue of "deserters." He issued a stark warning that a Netanyahu victory would lead to the "truth about October 7th being buried" and pledged that Netanyahu would not remain Prime Minister even without a 61-seat majority.

Eisenkot revealed that he recently met with leaders of the "change bloc" to discuss their shared goal of winning the elections and forming a "Zionist national majority." He asserted that he is currently the only individual capable of defeating Netanyahu, emphasizing that any victory must be one that allows for the formation of a coalition. He also addressed the issue of settlement policy in Judea and Samaria, stating his support for settlement within national interests and legal frameworks, but criticized the current independent, lawless approach. Eisenkot warned of a loss of governance and control, citing daily attacks by Jews that harm both the settlements and Israel's international standing, and accused Netanyahu of ignoring the escalating situation.

He described the actions of settlers in Judea and Samaria as "anarchy," attributing the limited ability to act to Netanyahu's concessions to Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir. Eisenkot condemned armed civilians taking the law into their own hands and vowed to abolish the civilian administration role under the Ministry of Defense, returning police authority to the IDF in coordination with the army. He dismissed the idea of a power-sharing rotation with Netanyahu, stating that Netanyahu must leave office after October 7th.

Eisenkot expressed his goal of achieving a 63-64 seat majority, but stressed that if Netanyahu attempts to prevent a 61-seat Zionist majority, a transitional government under his leadership must not continue. He noted the fragmentation of Netanyahu's bloc, including Agudat Yisrael's departure. Regarding the future of Gaza, Eisenkot envisions a post-Hamas, post-Jihad Gaza led by locally approved civilians under a technocratic government, with involvement from moderate Sunni states and American oversight. He rejected the notion of a Palestinian state in the immediate future but acknowledged the long-term possibility of a stable entity, contingent on educational reform.

Eisenkot defended the IDF's targeted killing policy as appropriate for immediate threats, criticizing Netanyahu for halting the political process in Gaza for political gain and for his alleged "bluffing" tactics. He also criticized Netanyahu's handling of the war, stating that the Prime Minister turned the conflict into a means for his own survival rather than seeking a swift conclusion, and accused him of dismantling strategic bodies. Eisenkot claimed Netanyahu received specific warnings about an impending "earthquake" from Sinwar and ignored recommendations for preemptive action on October 1st.

He accused Netanyahu of attempting to bury the truth about October 7th and vowed to establish an investigative committee if elected. Eisenkot also criticized Netanyahu for diverting the public discourse to issues like cooperation with Ra'am and the establishment of a Palestinian state, while allowing widespread draft evasion. He characterized the election as a choice between truth and lies, and service and non-service. Eisenkot stated his commitment to reforming the justice system without destroying it and expressed support for the current Attorney General.

Eisenkot promised to bring responsibility and attentiveness if elected Prime Minister, but not false promises. He reflected on October 7th, questioning what he could have done better as former IDF Chief of Staff, and emphasized the need for an investigation into the events. He also spoke about the personal impact of his son Gal's death, strengthening his commitment to bring about significant change for Israel.