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

Gadi Eisenkot, the main challenger to Benjamin Netanyahu in Israel's elections, is not your typical political figure. Born to Moroccan immigrant parents and the second of nine children, Eisenkot's background starkly contrasts with Netanyahu's elite upbringing in Jerusalem. As a decorated military veteran, Eisenkot's path to politics was forged in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), where he served as chief of staff from 2015 to 2019.

His service included one of the most contentious episodes in Israeli history, when he backed a military investigation into the 2016 killing of a wounded Palestinian attacker by Sgt. Elor Azaria. However, it was a recent incident that thrust Eisenkot into the spotlight and sparked a political firestorm. TV host Yinon Magal, widely seen as a Netanyahu mouthpiece, called Eisenkot a "monkey" and a "Mizrahi-Moroccan" managed by "Ashkenazi elites."

The remarks ignited a debate about the ethnic inequalities between Jews of European origin and those from the Middle East. Despite the backlash, Netanyahu condemned Magal's remarks. For many voters, Eisenkot's status as Netanyahu's main challenger may be enough to secure his victory. As a relative newcomer to politics, Eisenkot has gained traction, rising from single-digit polling a year ago to the opposition's leading candidate.

With a strong appeal to Mizrahi voters, Eisenkot's story of overcoming adversity reflects the hopes and aspirations of a traditionally supportive demographic. To emerge victorious, Eisenkot must navigate a complex political landscape. While most recent polls indicate that his Yashar party could secure 20 to 23 seats in the 120-member Knesset, coalition formation remains crucial.

The current system means that even if Eisenkot's party finishes first, the president does not automatically appoint him as prime minister. Instead, the mandate goes to the lawmaker most likely to form a coalition, which could be a challenging task. Despite the odds, Eisenkot remains steadfast in his political mission. His central campaign promises focus on domestic accountability, including a state commission of inquiry into the failures surrounding the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel.

He also advocates for mandatory military conscription for all citizens, a stance that contrasts with the current coalition's dependence on exemptions for ultra-Orthodox Jews. As Eisenkot prepares for the October 27 election, the outcome remains uncertain. His path to power may depend on forming a government with a diverse coalition, including Arab parties and other opposition leaders.

However, right-wing parties have historically been resistant to working with Arab parties, creating potential obstacles to Eisenkot's political aspirations.