Ex-War Cabinet Minister Slams Netanyahu Over Hostage Deal Reversal
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
Former War Cabinet member Gadi Eisenkot accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of reversing a decision on a hostage deal framework approved by the cabinet. Eisenkot described Netanyahu as "unbalanced" and "unfit" after he allegedly changed his mind due to external pressures, leading to opposition from his own spokespeople. Eisenkot had previously advocated for leveraging a deal in the south to improve the situation in the north, a plan Netanyahu was reportedly hesitant to pursue.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Gadi Eisenkot stated the war cabinet approved a hostage deal framework that Benjamin Netanyahu later reversed.
- Eisenkot called Netanyahu "unbalanced" and "unfit" following the reversal of the approved hostage deal.
- The reversal occurred despite the war cabinet, including Netanyahu, initially voting to approve the framework.
- Eisenkot had proposed leveraging a southern arrangement to improve the northern border situation with Hezbollah.
- Netanyahu was reportedly hesitant to advance a plan to strike Hezbollah, fearing consequences.
Former War Cabinet member Gadi Eisenkot stated on Radio 103FM that the war cabinet had approved a framework for the return of hostages, but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later changed his mind due to external influences. Eisenkot described Netanyahu as "unbalanced" and "unfit" for leadership, citing the incident as a moment that "dismantled a country."
Eisenkot revealed that three days after the "Beepers Operation," he presented two main options, favoring a hostage deal based on Netanyahu's May 27th proposal, which would be implemented from a position of strength. This, he explained, would involve continuing to strike Hezbollah to create conditions for a safe return of hostages in the future, alongside operational actions. He also outlined a potential arrangement in the south that would lead to a lasting arrangement in the north, enabling the return of residents, the removal of Hezbollah from the border, a change in UNIFIL's mandate, the deployment of the Lebanese army, and a doubling of IDF forces along the border.
However, Eisenkot recounted that just two days after the war cabinet's approval, "all his spokespeople," including potentially the radio host Yinon Magal, began opposing the very framework Netanyahu had brought for a vote and supported. "This is a crazy reality," Eisenkot stated, questioning Netanyahu's decision-making. Journalist Ben Caspit added to the confusion, stating, "It's not understandable that this is Netanyahu's framework, what is understandable here?"
Eisenkot further explained that he had urged Netanyahu, even during their time in the war cabinet, to advance the "Beepers Operation" to strike Hezbollah and leverage a potential deal in the south to improve the situation in the north. He mentioned having prepared a plan with the Mossad over the past decade and updated Netanyahu numerous times, but the Prime Minister was hesitant, fearing the consequences. Eisenkot concluded by noting that despite these hesitations, a deal is now being advanced.
Mentioned
