New Documentary Series Examines Ex-IDF Chief Eisenkot's Leadership, Including Azaria Case

A new documentary series is exploring the military and political career of former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot, focusing on pivotal and controversial moments. One central episode delves into the 2016 Elor Azaria incident, where a soldier shot a neutralized Palestinian attacker in Hebron. The series criticizes Eisenkot's handling of the affair, alleging he abandoned the soldier under pressure from left-wing groups and fear of escalation, rather than providing basic command support.

The documentary also examines Eisenkot's role in shaping military doctrine, including the multi-year plan "Gideon," and analyzes the strategic assumptions that preceded the October 7th Hamas attack, suggesting they contributed to the intelligence failure. It questions whether the concepts that guided him in security leadership have changed as he now seeks a political role.

Beyond his military tenure, the series traces Eisenkot's transition into politics, detailing his alliances with Benny Gantz and Gideon Sa'ar, and his evolving political stances. It probes his current positioning as a candidate for national leadership and whether his worldview has shifted from his time at the top of the defense establishment to his aspirations for the Prime Minister's office.