Yisrael Party chairman Gadi Eisenkot on Sunday launched a scathing critique of the management of the war and the government's conduct, saying that military achievements are not being translated into diplomatic gains. He made the remarks at the Maariv Economic Conference.
According to him, the war in the north, two and a half years after the outbreak of fighting, must end with the dismantling of Hezbollah and the transfer of the mandate to Lebanon. Eisenkot linked these remarks to the fall of paratrooper Moshe Yitzhak HaCohen Katz, saying it reflects a deep expression of Israeli mutual responsibility, especially in a reality where, in his words, “there are tens of thousands of draft dodgers and deserters who did not enlist.” He added that the current generation faces unprecedented challenges: “This generation is facing challenges we did not face—a prolonged, multi-front war lasting two and a half years.” According to him, the very continuation of the campaign should have raised a red flag within the government. Regarding remarks by the IDF chief of staff that were leaked from the cabinet, he added: “I can only regret that they were leaked.”
Eisenkot went on to criticize the functioning of the country’s decision-making mechanisms. “There is no functioning National Security Council for the State of Israel, and the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee is not functioning and is not overseeing the government,” he said. He added that Israel has achieved significant military successes in the war, but these are not being translated into diplomatic achievements. Referring to the Iranian arena, he said he has been dealing with the Iranian threat for many years, and that “reality exceeds all imagination,” but emphasized that the real test is turning military gains into diplomatic ones, including limiting Iran’s missile program and dismantling its nuclear infrastructure. “But it depends on us,” he said. He also added that “Channel 12 should have kept Bismuth there,” referring to MK Boaz Bismuth’s criticism of the IDF chief of staff over the army’s shortage of combat soldiers.
Eisenkot emphasized that the United States is Israel’s best ally, but noted that Israel must first and foremost rely on itself. “It is a blessing that we have the American army,” he said, but clarified that ultimate responsibility rests with Israel.
Regarding the situation in the north, he said he visited communities targeted by attacks and saw firsthand the condition of residents and local leadership. “I saw leadership in the north taking a stand. I was in Hatzor, which is a Likud city. No one visited them. Kiryat Shmona is a symbol,” he said. According to him, the State of Israel must provide northern residents with the tools to cope with the reality imposed on them. “The government must come to its senses this morning,” he added, saying that “the ethos of settlement and security is the future, so that we can double settlement.”
“I am committed to the victory of a future coalition”
Eisenkot then turned to the political arena and the leadership race. He noted that he had been asked about his intention to run for prime minister, given that Naftali Bennett does not necessarily see eye to eye with him on this. According to him, he is “committed to the victory of a future coalition,” and made clear that he does not accept the notion that there is only one alternative. “We must seek that alternative,” he said, noting that he had put such an option on the table about six months ago. According to him, some people refused to continue the process, and “not only did we not take photos—we stopped meeting.” He added that there is a need to “establish a group that will set things in motion and move forward.”
His sharpest criticism was directed at Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition. Eisenkot said he is “very concerned” about the coalition that has rallied around the prime minister, arguing that it relies on partners who hold critical powers while soldiers are being sent to fight. According to him, two of the coalition partners are in a “conceptual delusion,” with one, he said, seeking to create an “economic bonanza in Gaza,” while others propose unrealistic ideas regarding Lebanon as well. He argued that such approaches leave Israel operating at only partial capacity, despite IDF achievements, and prevent the government from translating operational successes into diplomatic gains.
However, Eisenkot emphasized that political disagreement is legitimate, as long as it is conducted in a substantive and respectful manner. Ultimately, he said, “the right thing” will be done for the State of Israel, even if disagreements remain regarding the timing, structure, and leadership of an alternative government. He noted that in the past he had voluntarily given up senior roles in favor of more experienced candidates, making clear that in his view personal responsibility comes before personal ambition.
In conclusion, Eisenkot was also asked about reports of offensive remarks made by figures in the Prime Minister’s Office. He said he “despises such people,” and that their presence in what should be the most ethical and professional environment reflects both on them and on those who appointed them. He added that it is unfortunate that such individuals reach the most sensitive centers of influence in the country, and that this reflects, in his view, a serious moral decline.
Eisenkot also addressed his family background, after being asked about ethnic discourse in Israeli society, noting that his parents immigrated from Morocco and that he is proud of that. He said he believed Israeli society had already progressed beyond such divisive discourse, but in practice, such voices still exist on both sides. He expressed hope that such voices would be pushed out of the public sphere, helping to bring about a deeper change in relations between different segments of Israeli society.