Politics · Malaysia Bureau
Israeli Opposition Leader Pledges to Dismantle Hamas Within 18 Months
Gadi Eisenkot, a leading challenger to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has vowed to eliminate Hamas rule in Gaza within a year and a half if elected in October's ballot. The former military chief said he would pursue the goal through either a US-brokered ceasefire agreement or direct Israeli military action.
LSN Malaysia ·
Eisenkot's pledge represents a central plank of his election campaign as he positions himself as an alternative to Netanyahu's handling of the Gaza conflict. The military strategist has indicated he would leverage diplomatic channels, specifically targeting potential involvement from US President Donald Trump in crafting a ceasefire framework that would weaken Hamas's grip on the territory.
The statement underscores the intense political competition within Israel over how to resolve the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Eisenkot has suggested that if diplomatic avenues prove unsuccessful, he would not hesitate to employ military operations to achieve the stated objective of dismantling Hamas's administrative and military structures.
The upcoming October 27 election will be a significant test of Israeli public sentiment regarding the government's approach to the Gaza situation. Multiple candidates have articulated competing visions for resolving the conflict, with security and military strategy emerging as dominant election themes.
Eisenkot's background as a senior Israeli Defense Forces commander lends him credibility on military matters among voters concerned with security. His proposal to work with Trump administration officials reflects broader Israeli political calculations about the incoming US administration's potential role in Middle Eastern peace efforts.