Former military chief Gadi Eisenkot has strongly criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing him of appointing senior officials based on personal loyalty rather than merit. In a detailed online statement, Eisenkot highlighted several recent actions by Netanyahu, including seeking a pardon in his legal case, advancing legislation on military draft exemptions for ultra-Orthodox students, and planning to oversee the investigation into the failures of October 7. Eisenkot argued that these moves prioritize Netanyahu's personal interests over national needs and undermine professionalism within the government. He further claimed that Netanyahu fears accountability, equal military service laws, and facing the public in new elections.