In Israel, Eisenkot tries quiet appeal to oust Netanyahu

Jerusalem - Gadi Eisenkot, a 66-year-old military man possessing a quiet demeanor and speaking limited English, could potentially unseat Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the upcoming general election. Known for his serious, unassuming nature, Eisenkot stands in stark contrast to Netanyahu, a charismatic figure often seen on international platforms.

As a former military chief of staff, Eisenkot has vowed to unite Israelis, a goal especially appealing to the middle class seeking stability amid Netanyahu's divisive policies. Eisenkot's campaign emphasizes stability, promising to restore Israel's international image and crack down on extremist settlers. He has also vowed to deny Palestinian statehood, mirroring tactics used by Netanyahu under US pressure.

Eisenkot's appeal is further bolstered by his Sephardic Jewish heritage, a first for a potential Israeli prime minister. Born to Moroccan Jewish parents, Eisenkot faced criticism over his background but has sought to turn the tables, promoting Sephardic pride and criticizing discrimination against his community. While he has limited plans for security changes, his promise to end Hamas rule and curb exemptions for religious students has garnered support.

In a final push before the election, Eisenkot urged wavering supporters of Netanyahu to reconsider, emphasizing the need for change in Israel.