In the aftermath of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the Yashar party and a significant contender in Israel’s electoral landscape, has voiced his opposition to a two-state solution. He criticized the feasibility of maintaining such a stance, considering the recent hostilities, and also took a stand against the government’s E1 settlement plan in the West Bank, labeling it a misstep that could harm Israel’s global reputation.
The E1 settlement project, which aims to expand the area between Jerusalem and Ma’ale Adumim, has been a point of contention due to its potential to disrupt territorial continuity among major Palestinian populations. Eisenkot’s remarks highlight the international backlash the plan has received, particularly from the European Union, which has expressed strong opposition and is reportedly contemplating sanctions should construction proceed. The government has already moved forward with the initiative by opening a tender for over 1,000 housing units in the contested area.
Eisenkot also directed criticism towards Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, citing their policies as contributors to increased settler violence in the West Bank. He argued that their actions have weakened the Israel Defense Forces’ authority in the region, thereby undermining Israel’s international legitimacy and jeopardizing national interests.
In response to Eisenkot’s critique, Smotrich defended the E1 construction plan, arguing that it is a strategic measure to prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state adjacent to Jerusalem. The debate over the E1 project and broader settlement policies continues to stir tensions both domestically and internationally, as stakeholders grapple with the implications for regional stability and Israel’s diplomatic relations.