Former army chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot has launched his electoral campaign, positioning himself as the primary rival to incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Eisenkot, who recently formed the "Yashar" (Hebrew for "straight" or "honest") political party, is gaining traction in polls, with some surveys indicating his party could secure the second-highest number of seats in the Knesset, potentially ahead of other established opposition figures.
Eisenkot's appeal stems from his extensive military background and a perceived integrity that contrasts with Netanyahu's long tenure and ongoing corruption issues. He has projected himself as a political outsider and a security hawk, known for the "Dahiyeh doctrine" involving disproportionate force against militant groups. His family's recent sacrifices, including the death of his son and two nephews in the Gaza war, have further resonated with voters seeking strong leadership post-October 7th.
Despite a relatively short political career, Eisenkot served in the war cabinet for eight months after the Hamas attack before resigning due to disagreements with Netanyahu's leadership. Polls suggest his party could win around 21-22 seats, placing it just behind Likud. Analysts note that Eisenkot's understated, process-oriented style is a stark contrast to Netanyahu's dramatic public performances, which many Israelis are reportedly seeking for a change in leadership.
While Eisenkot's rising popularity marks him as a significant threat, forming a government coalition in Israel's parliamentary system remains complex. His party's name and platform, emphasizing honesty and directness, are key elements of his campaign. However, political observers like Tamar Hermann caution that Netanyahu, often described as a "political Houdini," should not be underestimated and could still orchestrate a comeback.
