Gadi Eizenkot Criticizes Hamas Disarmament Deal, Questions Netanyahu's Transparency

Gadi Eizenkot, chairman of the Yisrael party and former IDF Chief of Staff, criticized the recent agreement to disarm Hamas, expressing doubts about Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's transparency regarding the deal. Speaking on Friday, Eizenkot questioned whether Israel was a willing partner in the agreement or if it was imposed on the country without its consent. He emphasized that any agreement should be judged solely on whether it achieves the war’s objectives: the destruction or dismantling of Hamas’s military and governing power. "Anything less is a complete failure," he stated.

Eizenkot also noted that nearly three years have passed since the October 7 attack, during which Hamas has rebuilt its capabilities to levels similar to before the October 6 attack. He acknowledged that aside from the return of hostages, the war’s goals have not been met despite the military achievements and heavy costs borne by Israel. He warned that the government cannot ignore the failures stemming from the October 7 events.

The comments came after former U.S. President Donald Trump announced that a peace council had reached an agreement to disarm Hamas, with Israeli forces expected to withdraw from the Gaza Strip upon completion. Trump described the deal as a critical step toward establishing a Palestinian government in Gaza that would cooperate with the peace council and ensure Israel’s security by preventing Gaza from being a base for terrorist attacks. He also mentioned the involvement of international stabilizing forces and a new Palestinian police force responsible for security.

Trump thanked mediators Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, and highlighted the progress made since the violent war and humanitarian crisis a year ago. He concluded by asserting that the threat from Gaza on October 7 would not be rebuilt. The deal and its implementation remain under scrutiny, with Israeli officials like Eizenkot demanding clarity and measurable outcomes.