Netanyahu Accuses Gadi Eizenkot of Fleeing Security Cabinet Before Key Military Operations

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has intensified his criticism of Gadi Eizenkot, framing him as his main adversary in the ongoing election campaign while largely ignoring Naftali Bennett. On Tuesday morning, Netanyahu accused Eizenkot of surrendering and fleeing the security cabinet prior to Operation Beepers and the planned assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. Netanyahu claimed Eizenkot's intent was to raise a white flag and push for early elections, dismissing Eizenkot's actions as premature given the subsequent Israeli achievements against Hezbollah in the north and Iran's regime.

Netanyahu emphasized that unlike Eizenkot, he did not concede and continued to lead Israel's security efforts. In a related development, Netanyahu ordered Shin Bet chief David Zini to ensure that Eizenkot receives appropriate security protection. Shin Bet officials responded that they are doing their utmost and acting within legal frameworks. The chairman of the Central Elections Committee, Judge Noam Solberg, stated that the Shin Bet chief confirmed there is no intelligence or warnings indicating any threat against Eizenkot. Zini clarified that the decision not to provide security to Eizenkot was made solely by the Shin Bet chief, who bears full responsibility for that decision.