Gadi Eizenkot Seen as Kind but Lacking Key Qualities Needed for Israeli Prime Minister

In a detailed opinion piece, Michael Kleiner discusses the candidacy of former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eizenkot for Israeli Prime Minister, arguing that while Eizenkot is a likable individual, the role demands very different qualities. Kleiner reflects on the political landscape of Israel in 2036, drawing parallels to the pivotal 1992 elections that led to the Oslo Accords and warning that current elections could be similarly consequential.

The article humorously explores the origins of Eizenkot's surname, tracing it through a fictional narrative involving immigration clerical errors and cultural assimilation, ultimately highlighting the complexity of identity in Israeli society. Kleiner uses this anecdote to underscore the importance of substance over superficial traits in leadership.

Kleiner emphasizes the gravity of the upcoming elections, describing them as potentially the most critical in Israel's history, surpassing previous "decisive" elections. He notes that since 1977, Israeli politics shifted from a dominant single-party system to a two-bloc system, with the current political climate marked by heightened polarization and claims of existential stakes by all sides.

Reflecting on past elections, Kleiner warns against complacency, citing the 1992 election that unexpectedly ushered in the Oslo process, which he views as a dangerous turning point. He concludes that Israel now requires the most experienced and capable leader at the helm, even if that means a seasoned veteran like Eizenkot, rather than a candidate chosen for symbolic or superficial reasons.

The article closes with a call for pragmatic leadership to navigate the country's critical juncture, implying that personal likability alone is insufficient for the prime ministership.