Journalist Ben Caspit Names Gadi Eisenkot as "Man of the Year"

Veteran Israeli journalist Ben Caspit has named Gadi Eisenkot, a former IDF Chief of Staff and current Knesset member, as his "Man of the Year." Caspit argues that Eisenkot has emerged as the most significant challenger to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, transforming from a relatively low-profile figure into a serious political contender.

Caspit highlighted Eisenkot's background, noting his upbringing in Tiberias and Eilat, which he believes allows Eisenkot to transcend political divides and break down stereotypes. He recalled Eisenkot's response to a discussion on Avishai Ben-Haim's "hegemony theory" with the phrase, "Don't whine, excel."

The past year has been marked by profound personal loss for Eisenkot, with the deaths of his son Gal and two nephews in the ongoing conflict. Caspit suggested this grief has deeply influenced Eisenkot's political trajectory, providing him with the drive to seek change and fulfill what he sees as his son's legacy. "This man carries the grief like a weight, like a bag of cement on his back," Caspit stated.

When asked if Eisenkot is fit to be prime minister, Caspit affirmed, calling him the "anti-Bibi." While acknowledging Eisenkot lacks Netanyahu's rhetorical flair and English fluency, Caspit praised Eisenkot's humility, calmness, extensive experience, thoroughness, and statesmanlike demeanor. He believes these qualities would make Eisenkot a trustworthy figure on the international stage, as foreign leaders would know he would not deceive them and would act on his word without political constraints.

Caspit also commented on Eisenkot's sensitivity to criticism, noting that he takes falsehoods particularly hard, lacking a "thick skin."