Former IDF chief Gadi Eisenkot positions Yashar as leading challenger to Netanyahu
In an exclusive interview, former chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot outlined his security agenda, plans for a state inquiry into the Oct. 7 failures, and his coalition criteria ahead of Israel’s upcoming election.
Former Israeli chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot, now leader of the Yashar party, said he aims to replace Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after the October election. A Channel 12 poll gave Yashar 23 Knesset seats, placing it ahead of Likud, and showed Eisenkot slightly ahead of Netanyahu in a head-to-head suitability question.
Eisenkot, who served as IDF chief from 2015 to 2019, said the biggest threat to Israel is Iran and its regional proxies. He condemned the Oct. 7 Hamas attack as a failure of both military and political leadership, describing it as “deep negligence, arrogance, contempt, lack of professionalism” by senior officials. He pledged to create a state commission of inquiry to examine government actions over the past decade.
Personal loss also shapes his campaign; Eisenkot lost his son Gal and two nephews during the war. He said their deaths motivate his drive to serve the country.
Regarding coalition building, Eisenkot ruled out partnering with Arab parties that do not recognize Hamas as a terrorist organization. He said any future government must uphold Israel as a Jewish-democratic state and accept the Declaration of Independence’s values. He expressed confidence that the opposition bloc could secure a majority with partners such as Naftali Bennett’s B’Yachad, Avigdor Liberman’s Yisrael Beytenu, and Yair Golan’s Democrats.
On the West Bank, Eisenkot criticized the current civilian administration of the area, promising to return civil authority to military coordination and to enforce administrative orders against settlement violence. He also said he would review the appointments of Mossad chief Roman Gofman and Shin Bet director David Zini, describing them as “very good commanders” but “incorrect appointments.”
Eisenkot rejected a rotation-prime-minister model, insisting on a single prime minister elected for a full four-year term. He contrasted his approach with that of former ally Benny Gantz, emphasizing a personal sense of mission stemming from his family’s sacrifice.
In foreign policy, Eisenkot highlighted Iran’s nuclear program as Israel’s greatest strategic challenge and pledged to strengthen U.S. ties, noting past U.S. administrations’ support for Israel. He also called for a realistic draft plan for ultra-Orthodox Jews, proposing a limited exemption rate similar to that for elite athletes, and advocated for universal state schooling with funding tied to attendance.
"Unequivocally, there was no betrayal... I know the people [and the system]. There is no chance that someone betrayed," Eisenkot said.
"I see as a partner anyone who accepts Israel as a Jewish democratic state, the values of the Declaration of Independence, and the obligation of service," he added.
The interview underscored Eisenkot’s focus on security, accountability for Oct. 7, and a coalition built on shared national principles.