Yashar chairman Gadi Eizenkot referred to Naftali Bennett’s pledge that he would officially declare Qatar an enemy state if elected prime minister as a “political gimmick.”

Eizenkot held a joint press conference on Wednesday at Kibbutz Nir Oz alongside former hostage Gadi Mozes, where he presented a draft government resolution to establish a state commission of inquiry into the October 7 massacre.

After his statement, Eizenkot answered questions from reporters on a range of issues. Asked about Naftali Bennett’s pledge to declare Qatar an enemy state, Eizenkot said, “You don’t declare Qatar an enemy state as an election gimmick. The issue needs to be examined thoroughly.”

Eizenkot said he shares the criticism of Qatar’s role but objected to the way Bennett presented the proposal.

“I hear the public debate, and I fully recognize the role Qatar plays against Israel—in Gaza and through its international activities. Israel should examine and make decisions regarding its policy toward Qatar, in consultation with the Mossad, the Shin Bet, and the National Security Council,” he said.

He then added: “I wouldn’t propose doing this as a political gimmick. I’m saying this as someone who knows the issue well from my time in the Security Cabinet. It should be made as a serious policy decision, not as an election slogan. Qatar plays a very negative role against Israel.”

Eisenkot was also asked whether Democrats party chairman Yair Golan would serve as defense minister in a government he hopes to form.

“I can think of coalition partners and party leaders who are more experienced and better suited to serve as defense minister,” Eisenkot responded.

Earlier this week, Yisrael Beiteinu chairman Avigdor Liberman said that Yair Golan should “just be quiet. That would be his greatest contribution to victory.”

(YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)