Gadi Eisenkot Emerges as Contender in Israel’s Election Race Amid Grief and Security Credibility

Retired Israeli army chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot is surging in polls as a potential leader, leveraging his military background and personal tragedy to appeal to voters weary of conflict, according to military reporter Amos Harel. The 64-year-old general, who lost his youngest son in Gaza, is positioning himself as a counterpoint to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with his party Yashar gaining traction ahead of the autumn elections.

Why Is Gadi Eisenkot Surging in Israeli Polls?

Eisenkot’s rise stems from his reputation as a security expert and his perceived integrity, which resonates with Israelis disillusioned by the protracted Gaza war and political divisions, Harel said. Recent surveys show him edging past Netanyahu as the most qualified leader, with his party’s support growing as Netanyahu’s Likud and opposition parties stagnate. Eisenkot’s campaign, named Yashar (Hebrew for “straight”), emphasizes a nonpartisan approach, aiming to bridge Israel’s deepening societal rifts.

“He sees his campaign as a debt to his fallen son and the generation of Oct. 7 fighters who died,” Harel said, referencing the October 2023 Hamas attack that killed 1,200 Israelis and sparked the war in Gaza. Eisenkot’s personal losses—his son Gal, 21, killed in a Gaza operation, and two nephews—underscore his narrative of sacrifice, a contrast to Netanyahu’s political longevity.

How Does Eisenkot’s Background Shape His Campaign?

Eisenkot’s journey from a working-class Moroccan Jewish family in Eilat to army chief of staff (2015–2019) informs his appeal. He modernized Israel’s ground forces and advocated for covert operations over large-scale wars, a strategy that drew both praise and criticism. His 2016 decision to pursue legal action against soldier Elor Azaria, who killed a disarmed Palestinian, highlighted his emphasis on military discipline, though it sparked backlash from right-wing factions.

His political entry in 2022, initially alongside Benny Gantz, shifted after Oct. 7. Eisenkot became a key voice in Netanyahu’s war cabinet, pushing for a Hamas deal to secure 251 hostages. He resigned in June 2024, citing concerns over the war’s prolongation, a move that bolstered his image as a reformer.

What Makes Eisenkot a Unique Political Figure?

Eisenkot’s Mizrahi (North African/Middle Eastern) heritage and origins in Israel’s geographic periphery—Eilat and the Galilee—position him as a historic candidate. If his party forms a coalition, he would be the first Mizrahi leader, a milestone in a country where political power has long been concentrated among Ashkenazi elites.

Media strategist Ronen Tzur noted that Eisenkot’s “unpolished and down-to-earth” persona aligns with public demand for a “healer” amid societal polarization. His deliberate speech and focus on long-term strategies, rather than media-friendly soundbites, contrast with Netanyahu’s charismatic style. “He models himself on leaders like David Ben-Gurion and Yitzhak Rabin,” said political correspondent Tal Schneider, highlighting his willingness to discuss diplomacy while maintaining a firm stance against threats.

What Are Eisenkot’s Stances on Key Issues?

Eisenkot has consistently rejected calls for a two-state solution, arguing that “endless war is not our fate.” In a recent interview, he emphasized the need for “other solutions in the Palestinian arena,” though he has not outlined specifics. His stance reflects broader Israeli right-wing sentiments, even as his campaign attracts support from diverse factions.

Despite his military pedigree, Eisenkot faces questions about political inexperience. However, allies like Dan Halutz, a former army chief, argue his leadership of the Golani Brigade—a unit known for its inclusive recruitment—gives him “experience in leading a diverse group of people.” High-tech workers in Tel Aviv, where Yashar has campaigned, have expressed cautious optimism, citing his “surrounding himself with experienced advisers.”

What Challenges Does Eisenkot Face?

The U.S.-Iran agreement, which Netanyahu’s government negotiated, has weakened his “Mr. Security” image, creating space for Eisenkot. Yet the retired general’s campaign must navigate a fractured political landscape. His party’s success hinges on forming a coalition, a challenge in Israel’s proportional representation system.

Eisenkot’s personal grief also remains a focal point. In a state TV interview, he acknowledged the “heavy price” of war, stating, “I am mostly searching for meaning amid this… so that we will be worthy of it, as a family and as a country.” This blend of personal loss and strategic vision has become central to his appeal, even as critics question whether his approach can address Israel’s complex security and political challenges.