Gadi Eizenkot Criticizes Smotrich for Prolonging War Over Hostages

Gadi Eizenkot, leader of the Yisrael party, addressed remarks made by Minister Bezalel Smotrich claiming, "Thanks to me, all the hostages are here." Speaking at the Etzba HaGalil conference at Tel Hai University, Eizenkot criticized Smotrich's position during the security cabinet meetings. He stated that he was aware of the stance Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir took, noting that Ben-Gvir's party voted against certain measures. Eizenkot added that Smotrich held the cabinet in opposition until midnight before conceding, and he expressed certainty that Smotrich represented a position that contributed to prolonging the war. On the issue of equal burden sharing, Eizenkot said he would prefer additional elections over joining a coalition without changes to the conscription law.