Ex-IDF Chief Eisenkot Blasts Netanyahu, Vows to Oust Hamas in 18 Months
Translated & summarized from Cursorinfo by baba
Former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot sharply criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's war strategy, accusing him of failing to achieve objectives and allowing Hamas to retain power in Gaza. Eisenkot vowed to remove Hamas within 18 months if he becomes prime minister, citing significant military gains but unmet strategic goals. He also highlighted the war's high cost and the initial exclusion of hostage recovery as a primary objective. Political rivals, including the Likud party and 'Amcha Yisrael', have criticized Eisenkot's statements.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Gadi Eisenkot vowed to remove Hamas from power in Gaza within 18 months if he becomes prime minister.
- Eisenkot accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of strategic failure and prioritizing personal interests.
- He stated that despite military achievements, the war's objectives remain unmet after three years.
- Eisenkot acknowledged the efforts of IDF soldiers, security forces, and former US President Trump's representatives in hostage recovery.
- Political opponents, including Likud and 'Amcha Yisrael', criticized Eisenkot's statements and past military leadership.
- Eisenkot called for a state investigative commission into the October 7th events and adherence to national security laws.
Former IDF Chief of Staff and politician Gadi Eisenkot delivered a strong critique of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's handling of the Gaza war, accusing him of strategic failure and vowing to remove Hamas from power in the Gaza Strip within 18 months if elected.
Eisenkot stated that despite significant military achievements by the IDF and Shin Bet, the war's objectives remain unmet after three years, with threats persisting on all fronts. He highlighted the immense cost of the war, including the loss of nearly a thousand soldiers and the abduction of 251 civilians and soldiers on October 7th. He also mentioned the death of his relative, Ben Gal, during an operation to recover hostages, and his nephews, Yoav and Maor.
He asserted that the return of hostages was not an initial war aim, but was added nine days after the conflict began at his insistence. Eisenkot acknowledged the efforts of IDF soldiers, security forces, and former US President Donald Trump's representatives, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, in securing the release of hostages.
Despite military successes, Eisenkot argued that Hamas remains the de facto authority in Gaza, rebuilding its capabilities and posing ongoing threats. He criticized Netanyahu for failing to leverage the support received to achieve strategic change, accusing him of prioritizing personal and political interests over national security. Eisenkot specifically condemned Netanyahu's public statements and coalition compromises, suggesting they embolden Hamas and draft dodgers.
Eisenkot pledged that under his leadership, Hamas would no longer control Gaza within 18 months, utilizing military means, unconventional solutions, and operational ingenuity. He drew on his past experience commanding operations against terrorism and Hezbollah tunnels, promising a decisive approach to dismantling Hamas's military wing. He also called for a state investigative commission into the October 7th events and adherence to national security laws.
Political opponents criticized Eisenkot. The Likud party questioned his ability to defeat Hamas without support from Mansour Abbas and Ahmed Tibi. The 'Amcha Yisrael' party, led by Ofer Winter, labeled Eisenkot an "erroneous" former chief of staff who advocated for containment and a halt to the war before the Rafah operation, blaming his approach for the October 7th failures.
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