Eisenkot: Israeli Military Leader Questions Netanyahu’s Approach to Gaza Tactics
A prominent member of Israel’s war cabinet has accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of being untruthful about the military objectives in Gaza. Despite Netanyahu rejecting the U.S. push for a future Palestinian state and insisting on continuing the offensive until “complete victory,” Gadi Eisenkot, a retired general, countered that those advocating for the “absolute defeat” of Hamas were not being truthful.
Eisenkot, whose son died fighting in Gaza, asserted that Netanyahu bears “sharp and clear responsibility” for failing to protect the country on October 7. He called for fresh elections, citing a lack of trust in Israel’s current leadership.
Tensions within the cabinet are evident, with reports of strained relations between the prime minister and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. Additionally, the divide between Israel and its Western allies, particularly the U.S., is widening. The White House and State Department expressed differing views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with President Joe Biden discussing a two-state solution during a call with Netanyahu.
Netanyahu, known for resisting a Palestinian state throughout his career, recently boasted about preventing its establishment. As the international community expresses hope for reviving the two-state plan to achieve lasting peace, Netanyahu’s comments indicate a contrary stance, possibly aligning with a future administration reminiscent of Donald Trump’s and appealing to his pro-Israel supporters in a U.S. election year. The prime minister, facing growing unpopularity, seems to be relying on the far-right for support within Israel.
A recent survey indicates that only 15% of Israelis support Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu retaining his position after the war. While most Israelis still back military actions against Hamas, a majority now prioritize the safe return of the remaining hostages over the challenging goal of eradicating Hamas.
Netanyahu’s recent statements rejecting the possibility of a future Palestinian state also undermine Arab attempts to mediate in the conflict. Despite Saudi Arabia offering the normalization of ties with Israel in a ceasefire deal involving a two-state solution, the Israeli prime minister seems committed to a staunchly anti-Palestinian stance for political survival.
No longer able to present himself as “Mr Security” due to the severe attacks occurring under his leadership, Netanyahu now positions himself as “Mr No Independent Palestine.” This stance aligns with the prevailing public sentiment in Israel, where the populace, though increasingly disenchanted with the prime minister, remains too traumatized to consider the prospect of a Palestinian state next door.
