Former Israeli army chief grows up to be Netanyahu's biggest threat: "The complete opposite"

In recent weeks, Israel has witnessed a dramatic political shift as former Chief of Staff of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), Gadi Eisenkot, emerges as one of the most formidable challengers to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of the upcoming elections scheduled for late November. This development marks a significant turning point in Israeli politics, where Eisenkot's rise is being viewed as both a direct challenge to Netanyahu’s long-standing dominance and a reflection of shifting public sentiment.

Eisenkot, who previously served under Netanyahu during his tenure as head of the IDF between 2015 and 2019, has now become a central figure in the political landscape. His party, Yashar, which was founded less than a year ago, has seen a meteoric rise in popularity, moving from near obscurity in polls to nearly matching the support of Netanyahu’s Likud party. According to the latest survey by Channel 12, Yashar could secure 21 seats in the Knesset, just behind Likud’s projected 23 seats. Meanwhile, the combined bloc of former prime ministers Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid is expected to win around 18 seats, placing them further behind.

The emergence of Eisenkot as a major contender has forced Netanyahu’s camp to recalibrate its strategy. The Likud party recently posted a brief message on social media, accompanied by an AI-generated video featuring Eisenkot and prominent Arab MK Ahmad Tibi standing together before the Knesset building shrouded in dark clouds. The message read, “There is no Gadi without Tibi,” followed by the caption, “Eisenkot has no government without Arabs.” This move highlights Likud’s renewed focus on using anti-Arab rhetoric while simultaneously targeting Eisenkot as their primary opponent.

Eisenkot’s appeal lies partly in his stark contrast with Netanyahu. While Netanyahu, now 76 years old, has built a career on high-profile political theatrics, sharp rhetoric, and media appearances, Eisenkot is known for his quiet, reserved demeanor and strategic approach rather than overt political marketing. Their life stories also differ significantly. Netanyahu grew up in elite circles in Jerusalem, the son of a renowned historian, and served in the elite Sayeret Matkal unit. In contrast, Eisenkot, the second of nine children of Moroccan immigrants, grew up in Tiberias and Eilat—away from traditional centers of political power. He began his military career in the Golan Brigade and rose to prominence as the head of the IDF, a position bestowed upon him directly by Netanyahu himself.

Despite this close relationship, Eisenkot has grown increasingly critical of Netanyahu’s leadership, particularly regarding the conduct of the war against Hamas in Gaza. In February 2024, he wrote a letter to Netanyahu expressing concerns about the lack of strategic progress in achieving broader goals beyond tactical gains. This criticism has resonated with many Israelis, especially those disillusioned with the ongoing conflict and its human toll.

Eisenkot’s personal tragedy has also played a role in shaping his political stance. Two months into the war in Gaza, his youngest son, Gal, died in combat. Later, two of his nephews were killed in fighting. These losses have deeply affected him and have been compared to the contrasting experience of Netanyahu’s son, Yair, who spent much of the war in Miami and did not serve on the front lines.

His entry into politics came alongside another former IDF chief, Benny Gantz, forming a new alliance. However, after the October 7 attacks, Gantz joined Netanyahu’s war cabinet, leaving Eisenkot to pursue independent political ambitions. Despite attempts by Bennett and Lapid to bring him into a united opposition bloc, Eisenkot chose to run independently, a decision that has proven successful in boosting his poll numbers.

Public perception of Eisenkot is also influenced by his distinct personality and communication style. Unlike Netanyahu, whose polished international image and fluent English are well-known, Eisenkot’s accent and more grounded presentation stand out. Some campaign materials from Likud mock his English pronunciation, drawing comparisons to Netanyahu’s refined global presence. Yet, these differences have contributed to Eisenkot’s growing appeal among voters seeking a leader perceived as more down-to-earth and focused on practical solutions.

As the election date approaches, the political battle between Netanyahu and Eisenkot is intensifying. With Eisenkot’s party gaining traction and Netanyahu’s camp launching targeted campaigns against him, the coming months will likely see increased scrutiny and debate over their respective visions for Israel’s future. Whether Eisenkot can maintain his momentum and translate current polling success into actual electoral victory remains uncertain, but his emergence as a leading challenger signals a pivotal moment in Israeli political history.