Eisenkot Clarifies Stance, Criticizes Netanyahu on Oct. 7 Failures

Former IDF Chief of Staff and current Yisrael! Party Chairman Gadi Eisenkot, in an interview with Channel 7, launched a sharp critique of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the failures leading up to the October 7th Hamas attacks, while simultaneously articulating right-leaning positions on key issues. Eisenkot stated his opposition to a Palestinian state, his support for Israeli settlement in the West Bank, and his refusal to allow laborers from Gaza into Israel. He described Haredi Jews as "brothers who have lost their way."

Eisenkot expressed astonishment at reports of continued financial aid to Gaza following the October 7th attacks, calling it "unacceptable" and demanding an immediate investigation. While acknowledging his past approval of Qatari funds as Chief of Staff to prevent starvation, he differentiated that from the current situation, noting that by the time he left office, it was known that some funds were reaching Hamas's military wing. He also addressed the controversy surrounding a document sent by Military Secretary Avi Gill to the Prime Minister, suggesting it indicated potential negligence. Eisenkot asserted that a state commission of inquiry is essential to uncover the full truth about the events leading up to and on October 7th, pledging to establish one within two weeks of the next government's formation.

A central theme of Eisenkot's criticism was Netanyahu's alleged policy of preferring Hamas as the governing power in Gaza over the Palestinian Authority, a view he and much of the security establishment opposed. He revealed a previously developed offensive plan, "Lightning Strike," intended to neutralize Hamas battalions, which he claimed was mishandled during Operation Guardian of the Walls in 2021, allowing Hamas to adapt. Eisenkot also criticized the government's rhetoric of "absolute victory," deeming it unrealistic and detrimental to achieving the war's actual goals of dismantling Hamas's military and governing capabilities and establishing alternative leadership in Gaza.

On the issue of Palestinian laborers, Eisenkot reiterated his long-standing opposition to allowing workers from Gaza into Israel, linking this policy to the return of the bodies of fallen soldiers Hadar Goldin and Oron Shaul. He clarified that his previous remarks about allowing 120,000 workers referred exclusively to those from Judea and Samaria, emphasizing his support for legal employment for these workers under security vetting, rather than illegal entry. He also strongly rejected the idea of a Palestinian state, advocating for Israel to maintain full security responsibility between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea and opposing any foreign military presence.

Politically, Eisenkot declared he would not accept defectors into his party, referencing past instances of Knesset members switching parties. He criticized politicians who change allegiances and expressed confidence in the loyalty of his own party members. Eisenkot outlined four core principles for any coalition partner: recognition of Israel as a Jewish, democratic, liberal, and egalitarian state; adherence to the Declaration of Independence; mandatory national or civil service for all citizens, including Arabs and Haredim; and commitment to dismantling Hamas. He stated that no Arab party currently meets these criteria, making them ineligible for his government. He also insisted on the necessity of Haredi conscription, viewing it as a national imperative, and expressed willingness to face new elections rather than compromise on this principle. He criticized Shas leader Arie Deri for opposing IDF conscription while serving in the war cabinet.

Eisenkot also addressed the judicial reform, supporting changes but opposing the current government's approach, particularly the shift in the Judicial Selection Committee's composition. He proposed canceling the current legislation and working towards a constitution. He also commented on the settlement movement, supporting legally established outposts in Area C but opposing illegal construction. He firmly rejected any Jordanian involvement in Areas A and B of the West Bank, asserting sole Israeli security responsibility. Eisenkot also refuted claims that he promoted a "small and smart army" concept as Chief of Staff, stating he actually opposed significant service reductions and that the regular army was larger when he left office than when he assumed command. He also defended his 2016 directive on joint service in the IDF, emphasizing that it included provisions for separation and consultation with rabbis, and that it has been successful in integrating soldiers while respecting religious observance.