Eisenkot: Remaining in government would’ve been a betrayal of soldiers

In his latest television interview since National Unity’s departure from the government, MK Gadi Eisenkot rejects the notion that the centrist party’s decision amounted to a betrayal of Israeli soldiers.

“I think that if I see from up close a mistaken policy and ulterior considerations of the prime minister, and I stay, I would be betraying them,” Eisenkot tells the Kan public broadcaster.

He charges that political factors influenced decision-making on the war, while decrying ministers for leveling accusations against the chiefs of the military and Shin Bet.

“They are not immune from criticism… but at a certain stage you see a guiding hand,” adds Eisenkot, while blaming “Netanyahu’s circle” for this “guided hand.”

“I don’t want to say it was personally the prime minister, but his associates are acting inappropriately,” he says.

During the interview, Eisenkot also jabs at Netanyahu, saying the difference between National Unity leader Benny Gantz and the premier is that “one fought terror his whole life and one who wrote books about.”