Netanyahu’s rival vows to end Hamas rule within 18 months if elected
Israeli opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot has vowed to end Hamas rule in Gaza within 18 months if he wins the upcoming October 27 election. He criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for a strategic failure in managing the ongoing conflict.
Why it matters
The statement highlights the intense political pressure on the Israeli government regarding the long-term management of the Gaza conflict ahead of a pivotal election.
Netanyahu’s rival vows to end Hamas rule within 18 months if elected left Gadi Eisenkot, center, former Israeli military chief of staff and leader of the centrist Yashar "Straight" party, with supporters after delivering a statement ahead of Israel's general election near Israel-Gaza border, southern Israel, on October 15, 2026. AP AP https://th-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/24d2hq/article71589818.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/Israel_Politics_79653.jpg ARIEL SCHALIT Gadi Eisenkot, center, former Israeli military chief of staff and leader of the centrist Yashar "Straight" party with supporters after delivering a statement ahead of Israel's general election near Israel-Gaza border, southern Israel, Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit) Gadi Eisenkot accused PM Netanyahu of a "strategic failure" in Gaza, where he said "Hamas is still the sovereign...
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