This man is Benjamin Netanyahu's nightmare: "He is aware of the historical role he has to play"

Gadi Eisenkot has emerged as Israel’s foremost challenge to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, despite his lack of traditional political credentials. At 66 years old, the former military commander, now running for office under his newly founded centrist party, Yashar, leads public opinion polls ahead of Netanyahu and has become the most hopeful candidate among many Israelis seeking to end the long-standing rule of the prime minister. According to reports, Eisenkot's measured approach and personal tragedy have made him a symbol of national resolve during times of crisis. Eisenkot, who served as chief of staff of the Israeli Defense Forces from 2015 to 2019, is known for advocating the use of disproportionate force against enemies, including targeting civilian infrastructure, a strategy some analysts see as a precursor to current operations in Gaza and Lebanon. His military career began in the elite Golan Brigade, far removed from the elite neighborhoods of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. He grew up in a family of Moroccan immigrants and was raised in less affluent areas, which shaped his pragmatic outlook. After entering politics in 2022, Eisenkot became part of the emergency war cabinet following the October 7 attack. However, his moment of greatest emotional resonance with the public came after the tragic death of his son, Gil, in Gaza in December 2023. Soon after, two of his grandsons were also killed in combat. His calm, tearful speech at his son’s funeral struck a chord with many Israelis, creating a sharp contrast with the political culture where prime ministers' sons rarely serve in the military. In 2024, Eisenkot left the war cabinet due to disagreements with Netanyahu over military strategy and the stalled agreement for the release of hostages. He stated he had come to believe that the prime minister’s personal interests no longer aligned with the country’s national interests. This decision marked a turning point in his political trajectory, leading him to found the new party Yashar. The party’s platform focuses on reforming state institutions and uniting a divided nation. Key proposals include mandatory military service for ultra-Orthodox Jews and the establishment of an independent commission to investigate security failures surrounding the October 7 attack. Eisenkot consistently emphasizes the need for “mamlachtiuta,” a Hebrew term meaning dignified, responsible, and impartial governance. Despite efforts by right-wing factions to label him as a leftist or “defeatist” general, Eisenkot firmly rejects these claims. He insists he has never used the word “Palestinian state” in his life. Nevertheless, he supports separating Palestinians from Israelis and opposes annexation of the West Bank, warning that incorporating millions of Palestinians could threaten the very foundation of the Zionist project. While Eisenkot’s popularity continues to rise, the path to forming the next government remains uncertain. The right-wing bloc still lacks a guaranteed majority of 61 seats in the Knesset without support from Arab parties, which many Jewish politicians refuse to engage with. As the election approaches, Eisenkot’s ability to bridge divides and secure coalition support will determine whether he can fulfill his vision of political renewal and national unity.