Eisenkot Vows to End Hamas Rule in Gaza Within 18 Months

Eisenkot sharply criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, asserting that Hamas will remain in power as long as Netanyahu governs. He accused the current government of a resounding strategic failure, stating that three years after the October 7th massacre, Hamas remains sovereign, armed, and rebuilding its military capabilities. According to Cursorinfo, while the IDF states Israel controls over 60% of Gaza, Hamas still controls about a third of the territory.

The speech sparked a political firestorm. Netanyahu's Likud party questioned Eisenkot's ability to dismantle Hamas, arguing he would rely on Arab political leaders Mansour Abbas and Ahmad Tibi to form a government. Netanyahu accused Eisenkot of planning a left-wing coalition with Avigdor Lieberman, Yair Golan, and Arab parties. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir criticized Eisenkot's past positions, while Ofer Winter's People of Israel party, also referred to as the Am Israel party, called Eisenkot the "Chief of Staff of the Conception" and accused him of promoting failed deterrence policies.

In response, Eisenkot's party, referred to as "Yes! With Eisenkot", accused Netanyahu and Likud of misleading Israelis and strengthening Hamas over 17 years, predicting Netanyahu's ouster in the upcoming elections.