Is Gadi Eisenkot Even More Hardline Than Benjamin Netanyahu?
And that is why some people are already celebrating, believing that Benjamin Netanyahu is on his way out
Poonam Sharma
Will Israel’s Policy Toward Hamas and Iran Change Much Regardless of Whether Its Next Prime Minister Is Benjamin Netanyahu or Gadi Eisenkot?
At least as far as Israeli national security policy toward Hamas and Iran is concerned, there is not much chance of any major change. In contrast, Gadi Eisenkot might take an even tougher stance on Hamas.
Israel has a large Arab population. Arab political parties representing their political interests Ra’am is one such party. But the name has nothing to do with the Lord Shri Ram of Hinduism. Ra’am is an Islamist political party that draws support from Israel’s Arab citizens.
Eisenkot has pledged during his election campaign that if he becomes Prime Minister he will end Hamas rule in the Gaza Strip within 18 months and dismantle the organisation’s military wing. Eisenkot’s hard line against Hamas is also motivated by a deeply tragic personal story. His son, Gal Eisenkot, was killed in an Israeli military operation in Gaza in December 2023. The death of his son had a great effect on his life.
Even in the face of Iran, there is no reason to consider Eisenkot a weak leader. A former chief of staff of the Israel Defense Forces, he has spent years dealing with Iran’s military influence, its missile program, and the activities of Iran-backed armed organizations throughout the region. He also lists policy positions such as curbing Iran’s missile capabilities and putting tough restrictions on its nuclear program if diplomacy fails.
So it would be a serious error to believe that replacing Netanyahu with Eisenkot would automatically make things easier for Iran or Hamas. The two leaders may have strategic differences, but in terms of Israel’s national security and destroying Hamas’s military capabilities, Eisenkot is also very tough.
Gadi Eisenkot is not your average politician
A former Chief of Staff of the Israeli military, he is a seasoned military officer closely affiliated with the formulation of Israel’s national security policies for many years. Here are some of the most important aspects of Eisenkot’s political position:A vow to eliminate Hamas’s fighting capacity
“Eisenkot has been clear that he wants to destroy Hamas’ military capabilities and end its control of the Gaza Strip.Tough stance on Iran
He promises to reduce the threat posed by Iran’s nuclear program and missiles.Opposition to Palestinian Statehood
Eisenkot opposed the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. This position shows the limits of his approach to finding a political solution to the Palestinian question.Priority to military solution of national security problems His security vision is skewed heavily toward military preparedness, strategic deterrence and the use of military capabilities to deal with perceived threats.Is Gadi Eisenkot More Hardline Than Netanyahu?
It would be misleading to say that Gadi Eisenkot is just more hardline than Benjamin Netanyahu on every issue. But his statements about destroying Hamas’ military capabilities and halting security threats from Iran are clearly a hardline approach. Those who are now celebrating the prospect of Eisenkot becoming Israel’s next Prime Minister may not have to wait very long for their illusions to be shattered – if Eisenkot actually takes office.
Neither Eisenkot nor Netanyahu will act in the same sort of “secular” way as Indian politicians, no Jewish leader will. They didn’t do so in the past and there is virtually no chance of that happening in the present either.
For many of those celebrating the prospect of Netanyahu’s departure, Gadi Eisenkot may well prove a big anticlimax
