Eisenkot Challenges Netanyahu in Israel's Election

Former Israeli military chief Gadi Eisenkot is challenging Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Israel's election, presenting himself as an alternative to a government he accuses of prolonging conflicts, weakening international relations and deepening domestic divisions. Eisenkot, 66, says he wants to save Israel, arguing that the country faces serious security and political challenges under Netanyahu's leadership. Eisenkot's campaign emphasizes national security, government accountability and social cohesion.

He argues that Netanyahu has damaged Israel's standing abroad, reduced American support and moved the country toward authoritarianism. The former military chief has also pointed to violence affecting Palestinian communities in the West Bank, killings involving organized criminal groups targeting Arab citizens and repeated military reserve call-ups. He attributes the latter problem to ultra-Orthodox Israelis avoiding compulsory military service.

Eisenkot's political message is shaped in part by personal loss. His son was killed two months into Israel's war in Gaza, and the grief Eisenkot experienced became widely visible when he delivered a eulogy broadcast on national television.

His campaign style differs from conventional political messaging. Rather than relying on emotionally charged appeals, Eisenkot presents his proposals in a direct, matter-of-fact manner reminiscent of a military commander explaining a mission to troops. That approach reflects his background as a senior military leader and his stated belief that Israel's problems require serious attention. His candidacy centers on the argument that the country needs a different approach to security, governance and relations among its communities.

Eisenkot has also made accountability for the security failures surrounding the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack a central criticism of Netanyahu. He argues that the prime minister has not accepted responsibility for the failures that preceded the attack. His criticism extends to the consequences of Israel's ongoing conflicts and the country's internal tensions. Eisenkot contends that Netanyahu's leadership has contributed to prolonged warfare and weakened international support while divisions within Israeli society have intensified.

As a former military chief, Eisenkot is seeking to turn his security credentials and criticism of the government into an electoral challenge to Netanyahu. His campaign presents leadership change as necessary to address the country's security failures, international standing and domestic divisions.