Who is Gadi Eisenkot, Netanyahu’s main challenger in Israel’s elections?

Gadi Eisenkot, the leading challenger to Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the upcoming October 27 elections, is not just distinguished by his opposition to Netanyahu but also by a unique personal and political narrative. Born to Moroccan Jewish immigrants, Eisenkot's family history contrasts sharply with Netanyahu's aristocratic background in Jerusalem.

Rising from a family of nine, Eisenkot dedicated his life to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), serving for 40 years and eventually becoming chief of staff from 2015 to 2019 under Netanyahu. His tenure was marked by a significant ethical decision in 2016 when he backed a military investigation into Sgt. Elor Azaria's shooting of a wounded Palestinian attacker, a move that demonstrated his commitment to army discipline.

Eisenkot's political career began in 2022 alongside former chief of staff Benny Gantz, before he joined Netanyahu's war cabinet in June 2024 amid the 2023 Hamas attack on Israel. However, by June 2024, Eisenkot and Gantz had parted ways, citing the lack of a clear post-war strategy. The political landscape has notably been influenced by Eisenkot's ethnic heritage, which has traditionally resonated with Mizrahi voters, a demographic that has often supported Netanyahu's Likud party.

This factor could significantly impact the election outcome, potentially making Eisenkot the first Mizrahi prime minister, a milestone for Israel's political history.