Minister Amichai Eliyahu Blames Gadi Eizenkot for Military Cuts and Warns Against Palestinian Statehood

Israeli Minister of Heritage Amichai Eliyahu sharply criticized former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eizenkot and Mansour Abbas, rejecting the idea of establishing a Palestinian state. Speaking on August 23, 2026, Eliyahu called the notion "complete madness" and stated that his party, Otzma Yehudit, would never support such a move. He argued that the events of October 7 demonstrated the futility of territorial concessions, citing the Oslo Accords as a failed peace effort that led to deadly attacks on Israelis.

Eliyahu accused Eizenkot of downsizing the Israeli military during his tenure, claiming this reduction has cost Israeli lives. He said Eizenkot collected weapons from reserve units under the assumption that peace had arrived, but instead Israel is now paying the price with soldiers sent to fight on the front lines. Eliyahu warned that those supporting a Palestinian state are enabling future massacres, describing the situation as more dangerous than the October 7 attacks.

He also condemned the Palestinian leadership for refusing to compromise, alleging they openly teach hatred and seek Israel's destruction. Eliyahu dismissed the idea of forming a coalition with parties like Mansour Abbas’s, accusing some Arab citizens and officials of undermining Israel from within. He expressed skepticism about Eizenkot’s recent statement that no Palestinian state would be established under his government, citing past political pressures from Abbas on other leaders.

Eliyahu concluded by denouncing what he called "messianic extremism" that he believes has led to recent violence and called for an end to such policies.