In a searing indictment of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's wartime leadership, National Unity Party leader Benny Gantz accused the premier of systematically hindering hostage negotiations and failing to address critical strategic objectives in the ongoing conflict with Hamas. Speaking alongside former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot, Gantz portrayed a prime minister more focused on political survival than national security imperatives.
Gantz and Eisenkot delivered a joint statement Tuesday evening, launching a broadside against the government's handling of the war.
"We're engaged in a difficult but just war for Israel's security and sovereignty," Gantz began. "A war that has exacted, and sadly will continue to exact a heavy and painful toll. We all understand we have no choice but to win. I'm aware of the fierce debate in Israeli society about how to achieve this. I also know that every Israeli citizen wants the hostages returned. This is Jewish morality, the Israeli ethos. We all understand that Hamas must pay a severe, painful, and crushing price for the cold-blooded murder of hostages."
"Throughout our time in the war cabinet, Netanyahu repeatedly stymied efforts to advance hostage deals, including the initial framework," Gantz continued. "I'm not surprised because early in the war, when we pushed to intensify military pressure on Khan Yunis and later Rafah, Netanyahu hesitated and held back. Even when we proposed creating a corridor along Morag to swiftly address the southern sector without the diplomatic complications of the Philadelphi Corridor, Netanyahu refused. I'm not surprised because Netanyahu refused, and still refuses, to prioritize the safe and swift return of residents to the embattled and abandoned north as a war objective. And I'm not surprised because Netanyahu is preoccupied with political survival, damaging strategic relations with the United States while Iran inches closer to nuclear capability."
Gantz emphasized the strategic importance of the Philadelphi Corridor in preventing smuggling and military buildup. Control of this corridor has been a contentious issue in negotiations, with reports suggesting that Netanyahu's refusal to relinquish control is causing Hamas' refusal to a deal. Gantz pointed out that while observation towers are necessary, they are insufficient and potentially dangerous, leaving Israeli troops vulnerable and doing little to address Hama's tunnel threat. According to Gantz, the defense establishment has proposed a more comprehensive solution involving underground tunnel blockades with Israeli involvement. However, he accused Netanyahu of failing to advance this plan, both in terms of security implementation and diplomatic efforts, including neglecting to meet with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. Gantz also highlighted Netanyahu's inaction regarding the Rafah crossing, a key point for the transfer of dual-use materials, suggesting a lack of strategic planning in addressing these critical security issues.
"Just months ago, Netanyahu claimed we'd achieve total victory after dismantling the fighting units in Rafah," Gantz added. "Reality, it turns out, isn't made of campaign slogans. The real issue isn't the Philadelphi Corridor – it's the absence of genuine strategic decision-making."
Eisenkot added: "The return of the hostages remains a paramount objective. Netanyahu's proposal from August 27, which he made sure to approve that evening name by name, received a yes. Due to personal and political considerations, he decided not to implement it. Sinwar [Hamas' leader] is a monster, but the residents of Israel chose you to make tough decisions. We saw your coalition partners threatening you, and even when they weren't in the room, we saw their shadow influencing decision-making."
He went on to say, "We've seen how many hostages have paid the price for delays in recent months. Victory in this war, which will strengthen the country's future, hinges on a hostage deal. We must fortify life for generations to come, because if we don't do this, it will be a mark of Cain on our foreheads."
