Ex-IDF Chief Gadi Eizenkot Warns of Losing Control in West Bank Amid Political Shifts

Gadi Eizenkot, former Chief of Staff of the Israel Defense Forces and current chairman of the Yisrael party, expressed serious concerns about the deteriorating security situation in the West Bank during the National Security Conference hosted by Ynet and Yedioth Ahronoth in cooperation with the INSS on Monday. He warned of a reality on the brink of anarchy despite ongoing efforts by the IDF and Shin Bet to prevent terrorism. Eizenkot criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir for their coalition-driven decisions, which he claims dismantled the established security framework in the West Bank. He said the transfer of civilian administration to Smotrich and police control to Ben-Gvir has led to a complete loss of control, hampering counterterrorism and law enforcement.

Eizenkot called for an immediate correction, urging the Prime Minister to restore the long-standing security organization and for the Defense Minister to empower the IDF to take administrative actions against violent Jewish extremists. He also lamented the lack of government support for IDF commanders, alleging even defamation from the Prime Minister’s camp.

Separately, Eizenkot launched an unusual election campaign targeting Israelis vacationing abroad, with billboards in Cyprus near the airport displaying messages encouraging Israelis to enjoy their vacation and then return to vote. This campaign marks a departure from previous election efforts that remained within Israel’s borders. The campaign drew criticism from Cypriot MEP Fideas Panayiotou, who condemned the use of Cyprus for Israeli political advertising and raised concerns about the increasing presence of Hebrew-language real estate ads on the island. The campaign also faced backlash from anti-Israel voices on social media, highlighting tensions surrounding the political messaging abroad.