This man wants to unseat Binyamin Netanyahu. Can he succeed?

Israel is heading towards an election on October 27th, with former top general Gadi Eisenkot positioning himself as the most serious challenger to Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu. Eisenkot, leading the centrist Yashar party, has seen his movement become the largest opposition force, surpassing other centrist factions. Recent polls indicate Yashar is neck-and-neck with Netanyahu's Likud party, and crucially, some surveys suggest a slim parliamentary majority for parties opposed to Netanyahu, potentially enabling a coalition without the need for Arab parties.

Despite his rise in the polls, Eisenkot, 66, remains a somewhat enigmatic figure in Israeli politics. He contrasts sharply with Netanyahu's polished public persona, appearing almost awkward on camera. However, this perceived lack of charisma is seen by many Israelis as a sign of humility and authenticity, a welcome change after years of carefully crafted political messaging.

Eisenkot, who lost family members in the Gaza war and was a key architect of the conflict, joined Netanyahu's emergency war cabinet after the October 7th Hamas-led invasion. He resigned in 2024, criticizing the war's execution for lacking strategic objectives. He stated that the loss of his youngest son motivated him to act for a better Israel, vowing to make decisions worthy of the sacrifices made.

Netanyahu's bloc has shifted its focus from attacking other centrist leaders to Eisenkot, portraying him as lacking the necessary experience to lead during a critical time. They argue he is susceptible to capitulation on existential threats. The right-wing also frequently claims Eisenkot would be unable to form a government without relying on Arab parties. Eisenkot, from a working-class Sephardic background, grew up in Tiberias and Eilat.

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We will do everything to be worthy – and make the right decisions for those who sacrificed, your brothers in arms, and for the entire Israeli people.