Former Israel Defense Forces Chief of the General Staff Gadi Eisenkot has positioned himself as the top contender against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for Israel’s premiership, using his respected credentials to unite a swathe of differing parties.
Eisenkot’s position as head of the opposition best displays Netanyahu’s domination of Israeli politics. His coalition spans the entire political spectrum, all united solely behind the desire to oust the prime minister. Analysts have noted that the two are remarkably similar on most issues, particularly security and defense matters. But the former Israeli military chief helped turn the election into a referendum on Israel’s most polarizing political figure, campaigning on taking Netanyahu down, drafting ultra-Orthodox Jews, and opening a state inquiry into the Oct. 7, 2023, surprise attack by Hamas.
