Key facts
- Gadi Eisenkot, a former Israeli general, has emerged as a significant challenger to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
- Eisenkot resigned from Netanyahu's war cabinet, citing a lack of strategy in Gaza.
- Eisenkot's centrist party, 'Yashar!', is launching its campaign for upcoming elections.
- Eisenkot contrasts with Netanyahu, presenting himself as a unifier and 'antipolitician'.
- Eisenkot's son was killed in combat in Gaza, a personal tragedy that has raised his public profile.
- Eisenkot supports Jewish settlements in the West Bank and advocates for mandatory military service for the ultra-Orthodox.
Gadi Eisenkot, a prominent Israeli general who resigned from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's war cabinet, has emerged as a serious contender to challenge Netanyahu's leadership in upcoming elections. Eisenkot, who accused Netanyahu of lacking a strategy in Gaza, is launching his centrist party, 'Yashar!' (Straight!), aiming to unify a country weary of conflict.
Eisenkot, 66, presents a stark contrast to the U.S.-educated, corruption-trial-facing Netanyahu. A son of working-class immigrants, Eisenkot spent four decades in the military. His personal tragedy, the death of his son Gal Meir Eisenkot in combat in Gaza, has amplified his profile and credibility, positioning him as a leader who understands the cost of war. Analysts like Gideon Rahat of the Israel Democracy Institute see Eisenkot as a unifying figure, unlike the polarizing Netanyahu.
While broadly supporting Israel's security operations, Eisenkot has criticized Netanyahu's strategic handling of the aftermath of the October 7th attacks. He has pledged to strengthen national security, supports Jewish settlements in the West Bank, and advocates for mandatory military service for the ultra-Orthodox. His platform and persona as an 'antipolitician' may resonate with Israelis seeking a change from prolonged conflict.
Despite Netanyahu's current unpopularity, unseating him remains a challenge in Israel's fragmented political system. Eisenkot's party will need to form a broad coalition, a task complicated by his stance on military service for the ultra-Orthodox and potential inclusion of Arab-led parties, which Netanyahu and his allies have already used as an attack line.