Full Breakdown
Eisenkot Vows to End Hamas Rule in Gaza Within 18 Months
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Commitment and Campaign Context
Former Israel Defense Forces chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the centrist Yashar! party, announced on October 15, 2026 that, if elected prime minister, his government would eliminate Hamas’s control of the Gaza Strip and destroy its military wing within 18 months. The pledge was made during a press briefing near the Gaza border, less than two weeks before the national election scheduled for October 27. Eisenkot framed the promise as a remedy for what he described as “strategic failure” by the current administration.
Background & Context
The October 7, 2023, Hamas attack triggered a three-year war that has left Hamas in de-facto control of roughly one-third of Gaza, while Israel holds more than 60 % of the territory according to IDF figures released in June. Despite extensive operations, Hamas continues to rebuild its capabilities, prompting Eisenkot to position his pledge as a decisive deadline contrasting with the ongoing, undefined campaign.
Eisenkot’s political rise follows his departure from the war cabinet in June 2024. He served as IDF chief of staff from 2015-2019 and commands a reputation for operational expertise, which he argues is needed to translate battlefield gains into a permanent defeat of Hamas.
Key Figures
- Gadi Eisenkot – Former IDF chief of staff; chair of the Yashar! party; campaign candidate for prime minister.
- Benjamin Netanyahu – Incumbent prime minister and Likud party leader.
- Mansour Abbas – Chairman of the United Arab List (Ra’am).
- Ahmad Tibi – Member of the Joint List party Ta’al.
Official Statements & Responses
Eisenkot outlined a dual-track plan: implementing the framework proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump—accepted by the Netanyahu government—or employing additional military capabilities. He said the strategy would be formulated with senior defense officials, restore the National Security Council, and be presented to the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee. He also pledged to create a state commission of inquiry into the October 7 events within 150 days of forming a new government.
The party framed the prospect of an Eisenkot-led coalition as a security risk, emphasizing its stance against partnering with parties that do not label Hamas a terrorist organization.
Criticism & Opposition
Beyond Likud’s coalition-dependency critique, the Amcha Yisrael party accused Eisenkot of promoting the “failed conception” of containment that, in its view, led to the October 7 disaster. It singled out former IDF generals appointed under Eisenkot—Yair Golan, Aharon Haliva, and Herzi Halevi—as architects of a strategy that “marched Israel towards October 7.”
Data & Statistics
- Territorial control: IDF data (June) indicate Israel controls over 60 % of Gaza, while Hamas retains authority over roughly one-third.
- Casualties: Eisenkot cited the loss of his son Gal and two nephews, and referenced nearly 1,000 IDF soldiers killed in Gaza and Lebanon combined.
- Political landscape: Polls suggest Yashar! and Likud each expect just over 20 seats in the 120-seat Knesset; Arab parties are projected to win about 13 seats.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I pledge that within 18 months of entering the Prime Minister's Office, Hamas will no longer rule the Gaza Strip,” — Gadi Eisenkot, party chairman
- “How would you destroy Hamas without getting permission from your partners, Mansour [Abbas] and [Ahmed] Tibi?” — ruling Likud party
- “As long as Benjamin Netanyahu remains in power, Hamas will remain in power,” — Gadi Eisenkot, party chairman