Who is Eisenkot, the former Israeli general expected to replace Netanyahu?

Gadi Eisenkot, a former Israeli army chief of staff, is being considered to replace Netanyahu as prime minister. President Isaac Herzog appointed Eisenkot to form the next government after the October election, where his centrist opposition bloc secured 48 seats in the 120-seat parliament, compared to Netanyahu's 53. Eisenkot's wide appeal lies in his relative lack of charisma compared to Netanyahu, making him a preferred candidate for voters tired of the divisive leader.

As a Sephardic Jew, Eisenkot would be the first non-elite prime minister, growing up on Israel's periphery and having Sephardic roots. He has vowed to combat extremist settlers, end Hamas' rule in Gaza, and strengthen ties with the United States, while maintaining a firm stance on the military wing of the Islamist movement. Eisenkot's military background includes devising the Dahiya doctrine during the 2006 war with Hezbollah.

His promise to end Hamas' rule within 18 months has been seen as a response to the three years of war. Eisenkot has also promised to protect judicial independence, the rule of law, minority rights, and a free press, addressing the concerns many Israelis have over democratic institutions eroding under Netanyahu.