Ex-Minister Eisenkot Recounts Political Intrusion in War Cabinet, Son's Last Moments

Former minister and IDF chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot has revealed his perspective on the political pressures within the War Cabinet and the personal anguish of his son Gal's final moments before he was killed in Gaza. Eisenkot stated that political considerations began to influence decision-making around the time of the first hostage deal in late November, three years prior to the article's publication date. He recalled a specific instance where Minister Ben-Gvir threatened to dissolve the government if the war did not resume within ten days, an action Eisenkot believes impacted the cabinet's deliberations.

Eisenkot expressed regret that the initial hostage deal was not extended, suggesting that more hostages, including the elderly and wounded, could have been released. He described this as a "deep corruption" where political interests overshadowed the primary objectives. Shortly after the deal's collapse, his son Gal was called up for duty in Gaza. Eisenkot shared a profound sense of foreboding, stating, "I had a feeling I was photographing him for the last time" on the night before Gal was deployed.

He recounted taking three photos of his son and experiencing a heavy premonition the next day when he accompanied Gal to the train. Eisenkot acknowledged that many parents face such feelings, but for most, the ultimate pain is averted. He noted that even after Gal's death, he returned to the cabinet during the mourning period, striving to separate his personal grief from his public role and avoid exploiting his loss.

Eisenkot also criticized the political leadership's strategy leading up to October 7th, identifying the "political conception of the Prime Minister and other ministers who preferred Hamas rule over the corrupt Palestinian Authority" as the greatest failure. He claimed that plans to destroy Hamas, which he initiated with General Eyal Zamir, were squandered. Eisenkot further addressed accusations of lying about the war's objectives, attributing them to a "deep culture of lies" and divisive rhetoric that undermines national unity. He concluded by questioning whether the war's objectives have been met and advocating for a state commission of inquiry to uncover the truth and present a sane alternative for Israel, rather than isolation.