Former military chief Gadi Eisenkot is challenging Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Israel's upcoming October 27 parliamentary election.

Gadi Eisenkot, a former member of Benjamin Netanyahu’s war cabinet and former chief of staff of the Israel Defense Forces, has emerged as a primary challenger to the prime minister ahead of the October 27 election. Eisenkot’s centrist Yashar! party, founded last year, has gained momentum following criticism of the government's response to the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack and the subsequent war in Gaza.

Differing Political Approaches

Eisenkot has campaigned on a platform of trustworthiness and integrity, contrasting his style with Netanyahu’s long-standing leadership. Supporters often point to Eisenkot’s 2016 defense of military values during the Elor Azaria trial as evidence of his moral standards. Conversely, Netanyahu’s campaign has sought to portray Eisenkot as soft on security, while Eisenkot has called for an independent state commission of inquiry into the failures surrounding the October 7 attack.

Personal Background and Public Support

Born in Tiberias to Moroccan Jewish immigrants, Eisenkot rose through the military ranks to become chief of staff. His personal experience of loss—his son Gal Meir and two nephews were killed during the war in Gaza—has resonated with many Israelis. While Eisenkot lacks Netanyahu’s charisma, he is drawing support from voters seeking a change in leadership, with his party currently polling ahead of Netanyahu’s Likud party.

International and Domestic Context

The election occurs against a backdrop of strained international relations and internal conflict. Israel’s foreign minister recently severed contact with EU diplomat Kaja Kallas, and the U.S.-Israel relationship has faced pressure amid the ongoing war. Domestically, the conflict has resulted in significant casualties, with Israeli military officials acknowledging a high civilian death toll in Gaza.