Ex-IDF Chief Eisenkot Vows to Destroy Hamas; Likud Mocks Coalition Concerns

Former IDF Chief of Staff and Yishar! Party Chairman Gadi Eisenkot declared on Thursday at the Gaza border that Hamas would no longer control the Gaza Strip and its military wing would be destroyed within 18 months of his entering the Prime Minister's office. Eisenkot sharply criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's policies, accusing him of a "resounding strategic failure" and of capitulating to draft dodgers and his coalition partners. He demanded a state commission of inquiry into the October 7th events.

Eisenkot presented a political-security plan, stating, "I commit: within 18 months of my entering the Prime Minister's office, Hamas will no longer control the Gaza Strip. We will bring about the destruction of Hamas's military wing." He added that this would be achieved either through an operation based on the Trump plan adopted by Netanyahu's government or by employing military capabilities.

Criticizing the government's policy, Eisenkot asserted, "As long as Benjamin Netanyahu is in power, Hamas will remain in power. The man who hangs signs saying 'I will not surrender' is the first to surrender: to the draft dodgers, to his coalition partners, and to Hamas." He lamented that no Israeli government had ever received such a mandate from the public and the world and suffered such a "resounding strategic failure," noting that three years after October 7th, Hamas remains the sovereign in Gaza, rearming and rebuilding its capabilities.

Eisenkot highlighted a "deep chasm" between the fighters on the ground and the leadership, stating that in Iran, Lebanon, and Gaza, the achievements of soldiers are not matched by Netanyahu's failure to meet his own defined goals. He stressed that failures should not be accepted as inevitable and called for brave decisions, a national strategy, an inquiry into October 7th, and the implementation of lessons learned, calling it an urgent security necessity.

The Likud party responded with a concise statement, questioning Eisenkot's ability to dismantle Hamas without approval from his potential partners, "How will you dismantle Hamas without getting permission from your partners Mansour and Tibi?" The party implied that Eisenkot's promises lacked practical backing and that any future coalition he formed would be constrained by political considerations, preventing decisive security policy.

In contrast, the Am Israel Party, led by Ofer Winter, issued a harsh critique of Eisenkot's past military record and performance as Chief of Staff, blaming him for the "conception" that led to October 7th and stating that no decisive victory could be achieved under a government led by Eisenkot and Yair Golan. The party framed the upcoming elections as a choice between Eisenkot-Golan-Abbas and Ofer Winter as Defense Minister and Yousef Haddad as Information Minister, who would promote the voluntary emigration of Gazans.

The Yishar! party retorted to the Likud, stating, "For 17 years, Netanyahu and the Likud have misled the citizens of Israel and strengthened Hamas. If you had focused a little more on your task, and less on formulating talking points, perhaps October 7th would have been prevented. In 12 more days, you are going home."