Israel elections 2026: Who is Gadi Eisenkot? If Netanyahu loses, will he stop Iran and Gaza wars? His stance explained

Israel is set to hold elections on October 27, 2026, and Gadi Eisenkot, a former military chief of staff, is a major player in this political landscape. Eisenkot has been in neck-and-neck competition with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in recent parliamentary polls, with both parties seeking dominance in the political arena. The polls, which began on October 27, have shown a close race between Netanyahu's Likud party and its right-wing allies, and the alliance led by Eisenkot, a centrist Yashar party.

Eisenkot's military background has shaped his political stance. He enlisted in the Israel Defense Forces in 1978 and served as the chief of staff from 2015 to 2019. Eisenkot's tenure included a controversial incident in 2016 when a soldier, Sgt. Elor Azaria, shot and killed a wounded Palestinian attacker in Hebron. Eisenkot backed a military investigation and trial, emphasizing his commitment to the army's discipline and ethics.

In the political arena, Eisenkot is a relative newcomer. He entered politics in 2022 alongside another former chief of staff, Benny Gantz. However, he left Netanyahu's emergency war cabinet in June 2024, citing the absence of a clear post-war strategy. Eisenkot's background as a Sephardic Jew with working-class roots has resonated with many Israelis, contrasting with Netanyahu's elite family background.

On the issue of Gaza, Eisenkot has vowed to end Hamas rule within 18 months. He believes this can be achieved through either the implementation of the US President Donald Trump's ceasefire plan, which involves Hamas' gradual disarmament and power transfer, or through "creative operations" to destroy the movement's military wing. Eisenkot has criticized Netanyahu for prolonging the conflict and endangering Israeli hostages for political reasons.

On Iran, Eisenkot shares Netanyahu's central goals of preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon and weakening Tehran's proxy network. However, he has criticized the lack of strategy in the latest conflict and believes military gains should be accompanied by diplomacy. Eisenkot has also advocated for a break with Netanyahu's leadership and far-right allies, asserting that as long as Netanyahu remains in office, Hamas will continue to hold power.