Former military chief Gadi Eisenkot has established himself as the primary political challenger to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as Israel prepares for a general election on 27 October.
The upcoming vote is widely regarded as a public verdict on the leadership of the long-serving prime minister following the October 2023 attack on Israel by Hamas.
A recent opinion poll conducted by Channel 12 shows the political party founded by Gadi Eisenkot, called Yashar, leading the incumbent Likud party in projected parliamentary seats.
The survey indicates that Yashar could secure 23 seats in the 120-member Knesset, placing it slightly ahead of Likud on 22 seats.
Public support for Gadi Eisenkot as prime minister has also grown, with 43 per cent of respondents viewing the 66-year-old former general as the most suitable candidate compared with 34 per cent for Benjamin Netanyahu.
Gadi Eisenkot served as the chief of staff for the Israeli military between 2015 and 2019.
During his military career, he helped develop the strategy known as the Dahiya doctrine, which advocates heavy military responses against areas where armed groups operate among civilian populations.
His election campaign focuses on a 10-point platform designed to restore national security, public unity, and democratic standards.
At the centre of his platform is a commitment to establish an independent state commission of inquiry into the security failures surrounding the 2023 Hamas attack.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his governing coalition have resisted public calls for an independent inquiry, proposing instead a panel selected by politicians.
Gadi Eisenkot has also called for a new national security doctrine, including a universal service law that would require military conscription for ultra-Orthodox Jews and Arab citizens.
His campaign pledges to protect judicial independence, free press standards, and minority rights across the country.
The former general has drawn significant public sympathy after losing his son and two nephews during military operations in Gaza.
Gadi Eisenkot comes from a working-class background as the son of Moroccan immigrants, presenting a distinct contrast to the background of Benjamin Netanyahu.
Political analysts note that his calm demeanour and military background appeal to both centrist voters and disillusioned right-wing electors seeking an alternative leadership.
Although rival opposition figures Yair Lapid and Naftali Bennett remain active in the campaign, current polling suggests Gadi Eisenkot holds the strongest position to challenge the incumbent government.
