Gadi Eisenkot, a retired Israeli army chief of staff and bereaved father, has emerged as a leading challenger to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of Israel’s parliamentary elections scheduled for October 27. Eisenkot’s appeal derives largely from his personal experience of loss and his criticism of the government’s handling of recent conflicts, in contrast to Netanyahu’s long tenure and controversial record during the ongoing war with Hamas.
Eisenkot entered politics relatively recently, winning a seat in the Knesset in 2022 with his party, Yashar, which translates to “straight” or “honest.” Founded just a year ago, Yashar positions itself in the center to center-right of the political spectrum but has so far offered few detailed policy proposals. Nevertheless, polls over recent weeks have shown Yashar either leading or neck-and-neck with Netanyahu’s Likud party, except in surveys conducted by two right-leaning firms where it trails.
The former general’s political rise is closely tied to widespread public dissatisfaction with Netanyahu, whose coalition partners have been criticized for prolonging the war and blocking cease-fire efforts that could have secured hostage releases. Netanyahu’s government faced backlash for exempting a large number of ultra-Orthodox men from mandatory military service even as reservists served extensively and more than 1,150 soldiers were killed. Eisenkot has vocally opposed these exemptions, describing related legislation as a “law of evasion,” and has promised to enforce mandatory military or civilian service as part of his platform.
Eisenkot’s personal losses have intensified his resonance with many Israelis. His son, Gal Meir Eisenkot, 25, was killed during an operation in Gaza to recover hostages captured by Hamas in the October 7, 2023 attacks. Within months, two of Eisenkot’s nephews also died in the conflict. His connection to grief and sacrifice has helped frame him as a leader who understands the pain experienced by many Israelis, contrasting sharply with criticism of Netanyahu for perceived indifference.
Leaving Netanyahu’s emergency war cabinet in June 2024, Eisenkot cited frustration over the prime minister’s avoidance of hostage release negotiations. Yashar’s candidate list includes hostages and the parents of former captives, underscoring the party’s focus on this issue. He has called for an independent state commission to investigate failures surrounding the October 7 attack, a move supported by a majority of Israelis.
On policy, Eisenkot advocates a tougher stance on Jewish Israeli violence in the West Bank and a return to the Trump peace plan framework regarding Gaza, contingent upon Hamas’s full disarmament. He opposes outright annexation of the West Bank and has expressed a vision for a future arrangement short of full Palestinian statehood, though specifics remain vague. He also rejects Netanyahu’s challenges to judicial independence without elaborating on detailed reforms.
Despite his military credentials and personal resonance, Eisenkot faces significant political hurdles. His likely allies are not projected to secure a majority in the Knesset, and his opposition to forming coalitions with Arab parties limits coalition options. Historically, retired generals have had mixed success in Israeli politics, with few exceptions such as Ariel Sharon and Yitzhak Rabin.
As Israelis mark three years since the October 7 attacks, Eisenkot has maintained a visible presence, visiting affected communities and attending memorial events across the country. By contrast, Netanyahu’s public appearances around the anniversary have been limited and focused on calls for retribution. With public sentiment marked by grief, anger, and skepticism over security and governance, Eisenkot’s campaign taps into a desire for leadership that more visibly shares the nation’s pain and promises change.