Ex-IDF Chief Eisenkot Rules Out Coalition With Netanyahu, Outlines Future Plans

Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the "Yashar" party and former IDF Chief of Staff, has declared he will not join a government led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, citing the failures of October 7th and demanding the premier's resignation. In an interview with Channel 9, Eisenkot stated that Netanyahu must leave office due to the security lapse on October 7, 2023. Eisenkot, who led the IDF from 2015 to 2019, aims to play a leading role in forming the next government, proposing a coalition that includes Naftali Bennett, Avigdor Lieberman, Yair Lapid, and Yair Golan, contingent on specific conditions.

Eisenkot recounted the events of October 7th, during which his son, Gal, a university student, joined his military unit and was later killed in action on December 7, 2023. He also lost two nephews. He confirmed receiving a warning from former Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman in December 2016 about a potential attack scenario similar to October 7th, and stated he had met with Lieberman to discuss the army's preventative measures.

Eisenkot placed primary responsibility for the strategic approach to Hamas on Netanyahu, suggesting the prime minister favored Hamas over the Palestinian Authority to maintain a controlled situation in Gaza. He refuted claims that the army was weakened during his tenure, asserting he increased troop numbers and opposed reducing mandatory service. He criticized the decision to allow Gazan workers into Israel, a policy not in place during his command.

Regarding the war in Gaza, Eisenkot noted that the goal of destroying Hamas's military capabilities within a year has not been met, with the organization's strength remaining largely intact. He advocates for Israel to maintain positions in Gaza while a plan to disarm or destroy Hamas is developed. He opposes the establishment of a Palestinian state under current conditions, emphasizing Gaza's demilitarization and the deradicalization of its population. Security in the West Bank, he believes, should remain solely with the IDF.

Eisenkot also addressed the Iranian nuclear program, calling it an ongoing threat and advocating for the destruction of Iran's enriched uranium reserves or nuclear capabilities. He stressed the need for coordination with the U.S. on this issue. Concerning Lebanon, he called for Hezbollah's disarmament and the demilitarization of southern Lebanon, suggesting a multinational contingent under U.S. control and strengthening the Lebanese army.

Looking ahead, Eisenkot criticized the current government's policies, predicting increased religious radicalization and inequality in military service. He proposed a state commission of inquiry for October 7th, a universal conscription law, and reforms in education, including religious schools teaching core subjects. He aims for his "Yashar" party to become the largest political force, surpassing the Likud, to form a stable government. His core conditions for coalition partners include maintaining Israel as a Jewish, democratic, and liberal state with a Jewish majority, upholding the Declaration of Independence, implementing universal military or national service, and recognizing Hamas as a terrorist organization to be destroyed or disarmed.

Eisenkot reiterated his absolute refusal to sit in a government with Netanyahu, stating that all leaders in office on October 7th must resign. He believes Netanyahu will not voluntarily initiate an investigation commission, unlike Menachem Begin. Eisenkot is determined to secure a majority of 63-65 Knesset members for his proposed coalition.