Eisenkot accuses Netanyahu of failing to achieve war goals

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Former Israeli Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot pledged to end Hamas' rule in the Gaza Strip within 18 months, if he took over as prime minister.

Eisenkot accused longtime Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his main rival, of failing to achieve Israel's goals in the war, three years after the October 7 Hamas attack.

Eisenkot told reporters on Thursday that threats on all fronts still exist.

During his speech near the border with the Gaza Strip, Eisenkot, 66 years old, leader of the centrist Yashar party, brought to mind the memory of his son and two of his nephews who were killed in the Gaza war.

The Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth quoted Eisenkot on its website as saying, "I pledge that within 18 months of assuming the position of prime minister, Hamas will not return to ruling the Gaza Strip."

Eisenkot believed that as long as Netanyahu remains in power, Hamas will also remain in power. He added: "Three years after October 7, Hamas is still the party that rules the Gaza Strip."

Netanyahu's right-wing Likud Party responded to Eisenkot with a sarcastic question: "How do you want to overthrow Hamas without the approval of your allies Mansour and Tibi?" In reference to Arab representatives Mansour Abbas and Ahmed Tibi.

According to opinion polls, neither Netanyahu's camp nor the opposition can expect to obtain an absolute majority in the October 27 elections.

Therefore, Arab parties may play a pivotal role in determining the composition of the next government.

However, several Jewish parties, including opposition parties, ruled out forming a government coalition with Arab parties.