A former military chief has positioned himself as the primary challenger to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Israel’s upcoming autumn election. Gadi Eisenkot, 66, who served four decades in the Israel Defense Forces and led the military during conflicts in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran, left Netanyahu’s war cabinet in 2024. He criticized the prime minister for lacking a coherent strategy and accused him of failing to prevent Hamas’s deadly attack on October 7, 2023. Eisenkot has also expressed concern that Netanyahu’s policies risk damaging Israel’s strategic alliance with the United States.

Born into a working-class Moroccan Jewish family, Eisenkot’s military background is marked by personal sacrifice. His 25-year-old son, Gal, was killed in combat in Gaza, and two of his nephews have also died in military service. This personal history underlines Eisenkot’s deep connection to Israel’s security challenges.

Leading the party Yashar! (Straight!), Eisenkot advocates for the continuation of Jewish settlements in the West Bank, aligning with nationalist perspectives. However, he diverges from Netanyahu on the issue of military conscription. Eisenkot has proposed mandating military service for ultra-Orthodox Jewish men, a group historically granted exemptions that remain a contentious political issue. Netanyahu, whose governing coalition depends heavily on ultra-Orthodox parties, has maintained these exemptions, a stance that has drawn significant criticism from both the public and political opponents.

As the election approaches, Eisenkot’s candidacy adds a notable dynamic to the political landscape, offering an alternative blend of military experience and policy positions on security and social issues that contrast with Netanyahu’s long-standing leadership.