Eisenkot, Prominent 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 less than truthful regarding the military objectives in Gaza. Despite Netanyahu’s public rejection of the U.S. call for a future Palestinian state and his insistence on pursuing the offensive “until complete victory,” Gadi Eisenkot contends that those advocating for the “absolute defeat” of Hamas are not being truthful.
Eisenkot, a retired general who lost his son in the Gaza conflict, asserts that Netanyahu bears “sharp and clear responsibility” for the failure to protect the country on October 7. He has called for fresh elections, citing a lack of trust in the current leadership.
Internal tensions within the cabinet, including reported strained relations between the prime minister and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, coincide with a widening gap between Israel and its Western allies. Following Netanyahu’s dismissal of the idea of a Palestinian state, the White House expressed differing views, with National Security Adviser John Kirby stating that the U.S. and Israel “clearly see things differently.” The State Department emphasized the necessity of a Palestinian state to address Israel’s security challenges.
President Joe Biden, in a call with Netanyahu, discussed a two-state solution, contradicting Netanyahu’s career-long resistance to such a prospect. As international isolation looms and casualties in Gaza approach 25,000, Netanyahu’s rejection of U.S. influence on military strategy and the two-state solution deepens frustrations within some American circles.
Despite hopes from Israel’s allies for a revival of the dormant two-state plan for lasting peace, Netanyahu’s recent comments indicate a contrary stance. He seems to align himself with a hard-line anti-Palestinian position, banking on a political survival strategy that rejects mediation attempts and prioritizes an uncompromising stance on Palestinian statehood.
Facing declining popularity at home, with only 15% of Israelis supporting him to keep his job post-war, Netanyahu clings to a far-right support base. While most Israelis favor military action against Hamas, there is a growing call to prioritize the safe return of remaining hostages over the challenging goal of eradicating Hamas. Netanyahu’s rejection of a future Palestinian state also rebuffs Arab attempts at mediation, including Saudi Arabia’s offer to normalize ties with Israel as part of a ceasefire deal.
No longer able to present himself as “Mr. Security” amid the worst attacks in Israel’s history under his watch, Netanyahu appears to adopt the stance of “Mr. No Independent Palestine,” aligning with a public mood that, while disillusioned with the prime minister, remains too traumatized to envision a Palestinian state as a neighbor.
