Retired Israeli General Giora Eiland, the architect of the contentious ‘Generals’ Plan,’ is set to participate in a conference organized by the left-wing Israeli party, The Democrats. The event, marking the 30th anniversary of former Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin’s assassination, will take place in Tel Aviv. The conference will feature speeches by The Democrats’ leader, Yair Golan, and a recorded message from President Isaac Herzog, followed by a panel discussion on ‘Responsibility and Leadership’ with Eiland, former Prime Minister Ehud Barak, and former Beit Shemesh Mayor Aliza Bloch.
Eiland’s involvement has drawn criticism, particularly from Uri Weltmann, an activist with the Jewish-Palestinian group Standing Together. Weltmann argues that Eiland’s participation suggests that some party leaders do not distance themselves from extreme military strategies, such as the ‘Generals’ Plan,’ which advocates for a total blockade on Gaza to induce starvation and mass evacuation.
The ‘Generals’ Plan,’ proposed in September 2024, calls for preventing food, water, aid, and fuel from entering northern Gaza, forcing the evacuation of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians. Eiland has publicly defended the plan, stating that creating a humanitarian crisis in Gaza is necessary to secure the release of hostages and achieve military objectives. His statements have been condemned by Hamas and international observers as inhumane and reminiscent of Nazi tactics.
Weltmann emphasized the moral and legal implications of Eiland’s stance, noting that starvation as a war tactic violates international law and is central to the International Criminal Court’s case against Israeli leaders. He criticized The Democrats for allowing Eiland to speak at a conference ostensibly committed to peace and human rights.
The Democrats, led by Golan, have been described as part of the ‘Zionist left,’ but their stance on Gaza has shifted during the conflict. Golan has made contradictory statements, at times supporting harsh measures against Gaza while advocating for peace. Weltmann urged Golan to withdraw from the conference if Eiland participates, arguing that supporting both peace and starvation is incompatible.
Eiland’s inclusion in the conference highlights the ideological divisions within Israel’s left-wing, with some factions willing to adopt right-wing positions to advance their agenda. Weltmann warned that Israel stands at a historic crossroads, with one path leading to continued conflict and the other toward peace and an end to the occupation. He expressed hope that The Democrats would choose the latter.