Retired General Slams Eisenkot's Warning to Security Chiefs
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
Retired Brigadier General Erez Wiener criticized former IDF official Gadi Eisenkot for warning security leaders against Prime Minister Netanyahu, stating it projects weakness to enemies. Eisenkot had called Netanyahu a "transitional prime minister" and urged leaders to serve only Israel's interests. Wiener argued that such political statements from military figures are inappropriate and that generals often fail in politics, citing examples like Mofaz, Ya'alon, and Gantz.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Retired General Erez Wiener criticized Gadi Eisenkot's warning to security leaders as projecting weakness.
- Eisenkot called Prime Minister Netanyahu a "transitional prime minister" lacking a mandate.
- Wiener stated that military leaders often fail when entering politics, citing Mofaz, Ya'alon, and Gantz.
- Eisenkot urged security leaders to serve only the interests of Israeli citizens.
- Wiener believes Eisenkot's remarks could influence operational decisions with election considerations.
Retired Brigadier General Erez Wiener, Chairman of the "Security Professionals" movement, has strongly criticized remarks made by Gadi Eisenkot to security establishment leaders following the publication of early election polls. Wiener stated that Eisenkot's comments project weakness to Israel's enemies, calling them "irresponsible statements that project weakness to our enemies, which we must not project."
Eisenkot, in what some are calling incitement, had addressed security leaders, referring to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a "transitional prime minister without a mandate or trust." He urged them to "remember that you serve the kingdom and the interests of the citizens of Israel only. Stand strong and firm against any attempt to challenge you. You have my clear backing. Netanyahu, do not dare to use Israel's security for your political needs."
Wiener expressed confusion over Eisenkot's statements, recalling that Eisenkot himself once emphasized the need for clear command structures. He asserted that Netanyahu is the legitimate Prime Minister, Israel Katz the Defense Minister, and the current government is authorized to lead. Wiener questioned whether Eisenkot's remarks imply that operational decisions, such as preemptive strikes, would be influenced by election considerations or require Eisenkot's approval, especially given the current challenges and recent achievements.
Wiener believes Eisenkot should have waited for the final vote count before seeking solutions for Israel's security. He argued that one cannot prioritize national security and the "covenant of service" while simultaneously engaging in such discourse. Wiener noted that such rhetoric has been heard from various party leaders for a long time, even during the war, but he has not observed any changes in the behavior of the IDF Chief of Staff, Shin Bet chief, or Mossad chief.
Wiener suggested that Eisenkot's comments stem not from his military background but from the nature of the political struggle against Netanyahu, where he claims anything is permissible. He pointed out that in the Western world, generals typically do not enter politics because the skills required for military command differ significantly from those needed for political leadership, which involves alliances, coordination, and compromise. Wiener cited the political careers of former generals like Mofaz, Ya'alon, and Gantz as examples of how such transitions can lead to failure, advocating for a period of learning about civilian society and the political system before assuming high-level political roles.
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