Eisenkot, Likud clash over Gaza framework for Hamas disarmament, IDF withdrawal
Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Gadi Eisenkot, head of the Yashar party, criticized a proposed Gaza framework, warning it would leave Hamas in power and enable future massacres.
- The Likud Party responded by accusing Eisenkot of "capitulating" to Hamas and acting "embarrassingly."
- Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir also voiced strong opposition to the plan, advocating for Hamas disarmament before any IDF withdrawal.
Yashar Party head Gadi Eisenkot has sharply criticized a new framework for implementing a peace plan in Gaza, warning that it risks leaving Hamas in power and paving the way for future violence. Eisenkot, a former IDF chief of staff, stated on X/Twitter that the plan, which he attributed to the "Netanyahu-Smotrich concept," is what led to the October 7 massacre. He asserted that Israel must not accept a reality where Hamas survives, re-arms, and plans further attacks, emphasizing that Israeli citizens deserve leadership that wins and tells the truth.
The State of Israel must not accept a reality in which Hamas survives, rearms, and waits for the opportunity to carry out the next massacre!
The Likud Party swiftly retaliated, accusing Eisenkot of "capitulating" to Hamas and engaging in "embarrassing" conduct. In an X/Twitter post shared by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Likud claimed Eisenkot was attacking the prime minister after resigning from the Knesset. The party highlighted alleged achievements against Hamas leaders and Iran, contrasting them with Eisenkot's current stance.
capitulating
Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett also weighed in, expressing concern that Qatar has "seized command" in Gaza while Netanyahu appears to be yielding. Bennett warned that Hamas is "growing stronger rapidly" and insisted that no agreements should be signed without Hamas being disarmed and weapons removed from Gaza. He specifically cautioned against allowing Hamas to store weapons while handing over control to Qatar.
Hamas is growing stronger rapidly. We must not allow agreements to be signed over our heads, and we must not budge a centimeter from the red line until Hamas is disarmed and the weapons are removed from Gaza.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir echoed these sentiments, declaring the proposed Gaza agreement "not acceptable to Israel." He described the ceasefire proposal as tantamount to allowing Hamas to regroup for future attacks, advocating instead for continued targeted killings in Gaza, encouraging emigration, and an Israeli victory. Meanwhile, a diplomatic source told The Jerusalem Post that the IDF will not withdraw from its current positions in Gaza until Hamas is fully disarmed, aligning with the strong opposition voiced by several Israeli political figures.
The targeted killings in Gaza must continue, encouraging emigration must happen, Israel must win.
Originally published by Jerusalem Post in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.