Gadi Eizenkot Criticizes Netanyahu for False Claims and Calls for Resignations Over October 7 Failures

Gadi Eizenkot, chairman of the Yisrael party and former IDF Chief of Staff, sharply criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a speech at the Herzliya Conference. In an interview with Dana Weiss from Channel 12 News, Eizenkot mocked Netanyahu's recent appearance on a satire show, accusing him of making "absurd statements." He specifically refuted Netanyahu's claim that Iran possessed nuclear bombs three months ago, stating, "I am familiar with the intelligence picture. Iran had no nuclear bombs. He invents reality and threats to scare the Israeli public."

Eizenkot also accused Netanyahu of rewriting history regarding the battle over Rafah, saying Netanyahu falsely claimed he acted alone in the attack, while in reality the entire war cabinet unanimously approved the operation. He further criticized Netanyahu's handling of the Iranian threat in April 2023, recounting how Netanyahu ignored military recommendations for a large-scale strike after Iran fired 400 missiles and rockets, instead heeded political advice to stop, resulting in a limited attack on a single armored vehicle near Tehran.

Demanding accountability for the failures on October 7, Eizenkot stated that all commanders and leaders responsible at the time should resign. He noted that Defense Minister Yoav Gallant was fired, Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi resigned, along with other senior officials, but Netanyahu remains in power. Eizenkot condemned Netanyahu for refusing to take responsibility and accused him of trying to politicize the investigation into the events. He called Netanyahu unfit to lead after the ongoing war and the lack of efforts to end the conflict despite IDF successes. Eizenkot expressed a wish that Netanyahu would show the moral courage of former Prime Minister Menachem Begin, who resigned and established a state commission after the 1982 Lebanon War.

The speech came amid ongoing political tensions and public scrutiny over the government's handling of the war and security threats.