Story perspectives

Eisenkot Promises End Hamas Rule in 18 Months

By Drooid · Oct 15, 2026, 2:16 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Gadi Eisenkot, former IDF chief, pledged to end Hamas rule in Gaza within 18 months as minister.
Eisenkot blamed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for squandering legitimacy and letting Hamas stay in power.
Eisenkot said any Arab party refusing to label Hamas a terrorist organization would be excluded from his coalition.
He offered two defeat paths—U.S. President Donald Trump’s framework or direct military action—as central to his October 27 campaign.

History

Historical Context

In August 2005 Ariel Sharon unilaterally withdrew Israel’s forces and evacuated about 8,000 settlers from 21 Gaza settlements, while keeping control of Gaza’s airspace and borders. The pullout followed the Second Intifada and the United Nations and International Court of Justice still regard Gaza as occupied. Today former IDF chief Gadi Eisenkot is pressing for a new military operation to remove Hamas, echoing Sharon’s security stance.

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Story summary

Gadi Eisenkot, former IDF chief, pledged to end Hamas rule in Gaza within 18 months as minister.
Eisenkot blamed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for squandering legitimacy and letting Hamas stay in power.
Eisenkot said any Arab party refusing to label Hamas a terrorist organization would be excluded from his coalition.
He offered two defeat paths—U.S. President Donald Trump’s framework or direct military action—as central to his October 27 campaign.

1 / 2