Israeli opposition "Yesh Atid" party leader Gadi Eisenkot pledged on Thursday to end Hamas's rule over the Gaza Strip within 18 months if he assumes the premiership, whether through an agreement or by continuing the genocide war. Since October 2023, Israel, with US support, has waged a genocide war in Gaza, resulting in more than 74,000 Palestinian deaths and over 175,000 injuries, mostly children and women, and destruction affecting 90 percent of infrastructure.
Implementation Plan and Elections
Eisenkot told journalists near the Gaza border: "Within 18 months of my assuming the office of Prime Minister, I will end Hamas's rule in Gaza. We will work to destroy Hamas's military wing." Eisenkot added: "This goal will be achieved, either through the framework proposed by US President Donald Trump regarding the disarmament of Gaza and its reconstruction, which the (Benjamin) Netanyahu government agreed to, or through military action." Israel is holding general elections on October 27.
Details of the Ceasefire Agreement
Despite the announced ceasefire agreement since October 10, 2025, Israel continues its genocide war in Gaza through daily bombings that killed 1,501 Palestinians and injured 5,323, mostly children and women, along with widespread destruction. On July 31, the "Peace Council" chaired by Trump announced reaching a roadmap to implement the next phases of the ceasefire, and Hamas later announced its approval. The roadmap includes: transferring the strip's administration to the National Committee for the Management of Gaza under international supervision, the deployment of an international stability force, the disarmament of "Hamas" and placing the weapons under the committee's responsibility, alongside a phased Israeli withdrawal and reconstruction.
Likud and Alliances' Response
However, Netanyahu, who has been summoned since 2024 to appear before the International Criminal Court on charges of war crimes in Gaza, rejected these understandings, conditioning the disarmament of "Hamas" before any Israeli withdrawal. Netanyahu's "Likud" party quickly responded, accusing Eisenkot of seeking to form a government with the support of Palestinian lawmakers within Israel. Polls indicate that neither Netanyahu nor Eisenkot will be able to secure the 61 seats required in the 120-seat Knesset to form a government.
Source: Anadolu Agency
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