As Israel prepares for its general election on October 27, former military chief Gadi Eisenkot has emerged as a leading challenger to incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The election is widely regarded as a critical test of Netanyahu’s leadership following the deadly Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which precipitated an extended conflict.

Eisenkot, 66, who served as Israel’s chief of staff from 2015 to 2019, now leads a new political party named Yashar, which translates to "Straight" or "Upright" in Hebrew. Recent polling data indicates his party may edge out Netanyahu’s Likud by a narrow margin, with projections showing Yashar winning 23 of the 120 seats in the Knesset compared to Likud’s 22. A survey also found that 43 percent of respondents viewed Eisenkot as the preferable candidate for prime minister, surpassing Netanyahu’s 34 percent.

Eisenkot rose to prominence in military circles as a key architect of Israel’s strategy known as the “Dahiya Doctrine,” named after a Hezbollah stronghold in Beirut. This doctrine advocates for heavy retaliation against civilian infrastructure in areas used for military attacks, aiming to deter prolonged assaults on Israeli communities. He has since translated this military experience into a ten-point civilian platform focused on restoring Israel’s security, national unity, and democratic institutions.

Central to Eisenkot’s campaign is a promise to establish an independent state commission of inquiry into the October 2023 Hamas attack, an event for which Netanyahu’s government has faced significant criticism, including accusations of intelligence failures. Demands for such an inquiry have sparked large public demonstrations, but Netanyahu’s coalition has proposed a commission largely controlled by political appointees, a move opponents say undermines its independence.

Eisenkot also proposes a “new long-term national security doctrine” that includes strengthening the military and reinforcing border security. A notable element of his platform is the introduction of a universal national service law that would extend compulsory military service to ultra-Orthodox Jews and Arab citizens, challenging Netanyahu’s coalition agreements that grant extensive exemptions to Haredi men.

Beyond security, Eisenkot emphasizes the protection of judicial independence, minority rights, a free press, and the rule of law as pillars for maintaining Israel’s democratic character. However, his stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains somewhat ambiguous. Analysts note that he has refrained from endorsing the establishment of a future Palestinian state, instead emphasizing the importance of law enforcement, including addressing illegal settlements and settler violence.

Eisenkot’s political approach is marked by an understated style and a focus on traditional security concerns, setting him apart from Netanyahu’s long-standing populist persona. The loss of his son and two nephews in Gaza fighting has garnered public sympathy and added a personal dimension to his campaign. His positioning against Netanyahu’s alliance with ultra-Orthodox parties, particularly his calls to end military service exemptions, highlights clear policy disagreements.

Raised in a Moroccan immigrant family at Israel’s geographic periphery, Eisenkot is seen by some observers as a representative of a new generation within Israeli politics, more closely aligned with foundational Zionist security narratives. As the country approaches polling day, his bid to unseat the incumbent prime minister introduces a notable dynamic to an already closely watched election.