Full Breakdown
Former IDF Chief Gadi Eisenkot Accuses Netanyahu of Abandoning Unanimously Backed Hostage Deal
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
In an interview on 103 FM, former IDF chief of staff and Yashar party chairman Gadi Eisenkot charged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with failing to implement a hostage-release framework that Netanyahu presented on May 27, 2024. Eisenkot said the proposal received a unanimous vote from all five War Cabinet members, yet Netanyahu’s political allies publicly opposed it within two days. Eisenkot also claimed he repeatedly urged Netanyahu to activate a decade-long “pager” operation against Hezbollah, which the prime minister declined.
Background & Context
The War Cabinet was slated to operate from its establishment on October 11, 2023 until June 9, 2024. Within that period, Israel pursued parallel tracks: negotiating the release of hostages held in Gaza and planning pressure on Hezbollah in Lebanon. The May 27 framework envisioned an 84-day cease-fire, a full hostage exchange, and a subsequent five-year reconstruction plan for Gaza, contingent on Hamas halting military rebuilding.
Official Statements & Responses
Eisenkot asserted that the hostage framework originated from Netanyahu himself, noting Netanyahu asked him, “What do you say, Gadi?” and raised his own hand in favor of the proposal before the vote. He further reported that, despite his advocacy, Netanyahu declined to green-light the Mossad-co-developed pager operation, describing the prime minister as “afraid.” No direct statement from Netanyahu is provided in the sources.
Criticism & Opposition
Eisenkot’s interview was sharply critical. He described Netanyahu as “unbalanced, unfit” and condemned the rapid reversal of support as “an insane reality.” He accused the prime minister’s “mouthpieces” of turning against a framework that Netanyahu had personally championed and voted for. Eisenkot also faulted senior Likud ministers for opposing ground operations in Gaza, suggesting internal governmental dissent hampered Israel’s strategic options.
Verbatim Quotes
- “There are two main alternatives today. One option, which I still believe is preferable, is to pursue a hostage deal based on Netanyahu's May 27 proposal, from a position of strength in both the south and the north,” — Gadi Eisenkot, yashar party chairman
- “What you just played was my response to the framework Benjamin Netanyahu brought on May 27. That was the straw that broke the camel's back regarding my continued participation in the War Cabinet,” — Gadi Eisenkot, yashar party chairman
- “Two days later, all his mouthpieces, in my opinion including on your program, Yinon, came out against the framework that he himself brought to a vote, demanded support for, and raised his hand in favor of,” — Gadi Eisenkot, yashar party chairman
- “This is an insane reality. You realize you are sitting with someone who is unbalanced, unfit,” — Gadi Eisenkot, yashar party chairman
- “Hezbollah still has 90% of its fighting force," Eisenkot said.” — Gadi Eisenkot, yashar party chairman