Netanyahu criticizes Gantz and Eisenkot over wartime decisions, Lebanon deal

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu launched a strong political attack on his war cabinet colleagues, Benny Gantz and Gadi Eisenkot, during a recent cabinet meeting. Netanyahu asserted that despite outward appearances, many politicians, including Gantz and Eisenkot, are "people of the left" who have compromised on security principles.

“

When I speak with the Americans about Israeli politics, I tell them that there is no longer left and right here. Everyone is pretending to be right-wing, but in essence they are people of the left.

Netanyahu specifically criticized their approach to the war in Gaza, claiming they had supported accepting Hamas's terms. "They said Hamas’s dictate had to be accepted, to leave the Strip, receive the hostages, and return to deal with Gaza after two or three years," Netanyahu stated. He argued that their position would have allowed the "Iranian axis" to remain powerful, encompassing leaders like Deif, Sinwar, Haniyeh, Nasrallah, Assad, and Khamenei.

“

They said Hamas’s dictate had to be accepted, to leave the Strip, receive the hostages, and return to deal with Gaza after two or three years. Those who say today, 'why did you not achieve 100%,' were prepared to accept zero.

The prime minister also recounted internal cabinet discussions, alleging that some officials suggested framing a deal as a "picture of victory" even if it wasn't, an idea he rejected. He further criticized the maritime border agreement with Lebanon, brokered under the previous Bennett and Lapid governments, contrasting it with his administration's approach. "They gave sovereign maritime territory to Lebanon, we are entering the territory. There is peace from our strength, and there is surrender from their weakness," he declared.

“

They gave sovereign maritime territory to Lebanon, we are entering the territory. There is peace from our strength, and there is surrender from their weakness. Hezbollah blessed their agreement and is cursing our agreement. That is the difference.

Addressing foreign policy, Netanyahu stated that Israel acts according to its own considerations, referencing a past interaction with President Trump regarding actions against tunnels. Regarding Gaza, he reiterated that "there will be no reconstruction without dismantling and demilitarization in the designated area." He also touched upon relations with the US and Iran, emphasizing Israel's need to advance its own interests while openly managing disagreements with allies.

“

There will be no reconstruction without dismantling and demilitarization in the designated area.