Ex-IDF Chief Gadi Eisenkot Emerges as Netanyahu's Main Challenger

Former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot has become a significant threat to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's continued tenure, with his new party, "Yashar" (Honest), topping opposition polls and even surpassing Netanyahu's Likud party in some surveys. If these polls hold, Eisenkot could become prime minister, serve as a rotation prime minister, or lead the opposition. Eisenkot is positioning himself not only as an alternative to Netanyahu's divisive politics but also as a representative of Israel's "Second Israel" and periphery, drawing on his own background as a son of Moroccan immigrants born in Tiberias, raised in Eilat, and his military career culminating as chief of staff. His public image is further enhanced by the contrast between his son's death in service and Netanyahu's son's time abroad, and his biography of self-made success.

Eisenkot's party name, "Yashar," emphasizes his personal integrity and implies that his decision-making will prioritize national interests over personal or political considerations. While Netanyahu is associated with a "governmental coup" that divided the nation and undermined the judiciary, Eisenkot aims to restore stateliness to politics. He briefly joined the war cabinet after the October 7th attacks alongside Benny Gantz, advocating for a ground maneuver in Gaza to secure hostage releases. However, he resigned in January 2024, citing Netanyahu's failure to define a clear strategy for the war's continuation.

Eisenkot founded "Yashar" last year, believing Israel is at a crossroads. His platform focuses on shifting national priorities away from what he sees as excessive coalition funding for Haredim (ultra-Orthodox), settlements, and coalition partners, and away from perceived preferential treatment for draft dodgers and aggressive constitutional changes lacking public legitimacy. He proposes prioritizing core curriculum studies, reforming Haredi benefits, and enacting a national service law for all. However, his suggestion of a potential exemption for 30% of Haredim from military service has drawn criticism from opposition peers.

Eisenkot is confident that implementing his plans will strengthen the economy, boost national infrastructure, improve education and health systems, and significantly increase the IDF's manpower. The momentum behind Eisenkot and the Likud's concern that soft-right voters are disillusioned with Netanyahu's leadership have led to attacks on Eisenkot, including comparisons to Yitzhak Rabin before his assassination. Despite security concerns and the Shin Bet chief's refusal to provide him security, Eisenkot also faces challenges from potential coalition partners who are hesitant to support his leadership, suggesting a potentially fierce battle for premiership even if Netanyahu accepts the election outcome.