Eisenkot Vows to End Hamas Rule in Gaza Within 18 Months

Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the Yisrael! party, pledged on Thursday that if he becomes prime minister, Hamas will no longer govern the Gaza Strip within 18 months of his taking office. Speaking near the Gaza border, Eisenkot declared this objective would become an official goal of his government, stating, "Hamas in power is an Israeli loss. A reality we must not accept. I will not allow it."

Eisenkot elaborated that within eight months of entering the Prime Minister's office, Hamas would cease to control Gaza, a commitment he intends to fulfill. He outlined two potential paths to achieve this: implementing a framework proposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump, which was accepted by the Netanyahu government, or employing military capabilities to dismantle Hamas's armed wing. "I know how to do this. I've done it before," he asserted.

Furthermore, Eisenkot committed to developing a clear plan to dismantle Hamas's rule within 150 days of forming a government under his leadership. This plan, he stated, would be formulated in collaboration with defense establishment leaders and presented to oversight bodies, including the Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee.

During his address, Eisenkot sharply criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, arguing that despite military successes, the war's objectives remain unmet. He claimed a significant gap exists between the achievements of soldiers on the ground and Netanyahu's failure to meet his own stated goals in Iran, Lebanon, and Gaza. "As long as Benjamin Netanyahu is in power, Hamas will remain in power," Eisenkot declared, accusing Netanyahu of succumbing to coalition partners and Hamas, and of lacking a clear strategy.

Eisenkot also attacked Netanyahu's handling of Palestinian issues and his promises regarding "voluntary migration" from Gaza, stating that no one had left voluntarily, but international isolation had increased. He also claimed that the return of hostages was not an initial war aim, but was added nine days later at his insistence. Eisenkot concluded by calling for a state commission of inquiry into the events of October 7th and the implementation of lessons learned, emphasizing his readiness to lead the defense establishment with professionalism.