Gadi Eizenkot’s Unexpected Shift to Golani Unit Revealed by Childhood Friend

Yaakov Kisus, a longtime friend of Gadi Eizenkot who has known him since they were three years old in Eilat, shared insights into Eizenkot’s character and military path. Kisus recalled their shared youth, including their time in a naval track in high school and their joint arrival at the IDF recruitment center. Unexpectedly, Eizenkot disappeared briefly and returned wearing the Golani Brigade infantry uniform, surprising his peers who had expected him to continue in the navy. This decision, Kisus said, seemed to stem from a deep personal calling.

Kisus described Eizenkot as hardworking, humble, persistent, and deeply thoughtful, with a strong memory for history and people. He highlighted Eizenkot’s sensitivity toward bereaved families, noting how Eizenkot personally reached out to console a family after a soldier’s death in Eilat. Their upbringing in a modest neighborhood in Eilat, where families protected each other from local troublemakers, shaped their close-knit bond.

Reflecting on Eizenkot’s military career, Kisus said that only when Eizenkot became a brigade commander did they realize he was destined for high command. Despite concerns that his modest and calm style might not suit the cutthroat nature of top military leadership, Eizenkot’s approach ultimately proved successful. Kisus also recalled a harrowing incident during the Lebanon war when Eizenkot was wounded by shrapnel in the forehead, a scar he still carries.

The story was shared ahead of the 2026 elections, underscoring Eizenkot’s enduring qualities and leadership journey from a surprising choice of unit to becoming a respected figure in Israel’s military and political landscape.