In Israel vote, ex-army chief emerges main rival to Netanyahu

Former military chief Gadi Eisenkot has emerged as the principal challenger to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Israel's upcoming general election, with his new party, Yashar, showing a slight lead in recent polls. The election is widely seen as a referendum on Netanyahu's leadership, particularly in the wake of the Oct. 7 Hamas attack.

A Channel 12 poll suggests Yashar could secure 23 seats in the 120-member Knesset, compared to 22 for Netanyahu's Likud. The survey also indicated that 43 percent of respondents view Eisenkot, 66, as the most suitable candidate for prime minister, versus 34 percent for Netanyahu.

Eisenkot, who served as chief of staff of the Israeli military from 2015 to 2019, has centered his campaign on a 10-point platform aimed at restoring Israel's security, unity, and democratic institutions. A key pledge is to establish a state commission of inquiry into the Oct. 7 Hamas attack, a move demanded by tens of thousands of Israelis but opposed by Netanyahu's coalition, which favors a politician-selected commission.

His platform also includes a promise for a "new long-term national security doctrine," strengthening the military and borders, and implementing a "universal national service law" to extend compulsory service to ultra-Orthodox Jews and Arab citizens. Eisenkot also vows to protect judicial independence, the rule of law, minority rights, and a free press, stating, "Through these steps, we will ensure that Israel is a Jewish, democratic, powerful, advanced and secure state."

While Eisenkot's political positions are still solidifying, his stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains less defined. A researcher noted that Eisenkot's focus on the rule of law might extend to addressing illegal settlements and settler violence. Eisenkot has gained public sympathy following the deaths of his son and two nephews in combat in Gaza.

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Through these steps, we will ensure that Israel is a Jewish, democratic, powerful, advanced and secure state.