Netanyahu Slams Gantz and Eisenkot Strategy on Gaza War and Lebanon Accord

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu launched a pointed critique of Benny Gantz and Gadi Eisenkot during Sunday’s cabinet meeting, accusing both leaders of undermining national strategy through their wartime decisions. He argued that their stance aligned more with left-wing ideology despite public posturing as right-wing factions.

“When discussing Israeli politics with American counterparts, I often remark that the traditional left-right divide no longer exists here,” Netanyahu stated. “Many present themselves as right-wing, but their core positions reflect leftist principles.”

Netanyahu directly challenged Gantz and Eisenkot’s approach to Hamas’s proposed terms for Gaza, which he claimed the two had endorsed. He argued that accepting such a deal would have meant abandoning the Strip, negotiating hostages’ release, and deferring further operations for years—essentially accepting defeat under the guise of progress. “Those who demand 100% effectiveness early on were prepared to settle for nothing,” he asserted, adding that halting operations earlier would have allowed the Iranian axis—encompassing Hezbollah’s Nasrallah, Hamas’s Sinwar, and other regional actors—to entrench their power.

“Resilience Against External Pressures”

Netanyahu dismissed attempts to frame current operations as a staged victory, insisting that authentic success would be evident through concrete outcomes, not superficial imagery.

He also criticized the 2020 maritime boundary agreement with Lebanon, calling it a product of political weakness rather than strength. “This agreement was a concession born of desperation,” he argued. “While Hezbollah has condemned it, our position reflects a commitment to security through deterrence, not capitulation.”

On the broader regional front, Netanyahu emphasized Israel’s independent judgment in Lebanon, noting that neither U.S. nor domestic pressures altered its operational priorities. He reiterated that Gaza’s reconstruction would only proceed if militant infrastructure were dismantled and the area demilitarized.

Addressing Iran and U.S. relations, Netanyahu underscored Israel’s strategic autonomy, stating, “We weigh all factors—allies and adversaries alike—to safeguard our interests. When disagreements arise, we voice them transparently, as friendships require mutual honesty.” He accused Iran of seeking to displace Israeli influence in southern Lebanon while leveraging U.S. pressure to limit Israeli actions against Hezbollah tunnels.

Netanyahu concluded by highlighting Israel’s leverage following recent Lebanon operations, warning that external actors would attempt to erode this position through diplomatic and economic means targeting the Lebanese government.

Blue and White immediately countered Netanyahu’s remarks, asserting that his hesitations and delays cost critical time and opportunities. “If Netanyahu had followed our guidance, we would have completed operations in Rafah by Ramadan’s end, secured hostages, and targeted Hezbollah’s infrastructure in the north—avoiding a protracted stalemate that has claimed lives and legitimacy,” the coalition stated.

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