Eisenkot casts himself as a sober alternative to Netanyahu amid anger over war and inequality
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Former military chief Gadi Eisenkot is campaigning on unity, security, and social protections as he tries to dislodge Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the upcoming vote.
Former Israeli military chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot is presenting himself as a steadier, less inflammatory alternative to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of Tuesday's general election. Eisenkot, who led the army from 2015 to 2019, is leaning on promises to restore Israel's international standing after three years of war in Gaza and escalating tensions in the West Bank.
He has pledged to curb extremist settler violence, describing recent attacks on Palestinians and foreign journalists as "Jewish terror" enabled by the current government. While rejecting the creation of a Palestinian state, Eisenkot said West Bank settlements remain a national interest only when they serve Israel's security and are established under the law.
Eisenkot also emphasized social policies, promising a universal national service law that would require ultra-Orthodox Jews and Arab citizens to perform military or civil service, and pledging stronger protection for LGBTQ citizens. He reiterated support for judicial independence, minority rights and a free press in an effort to win over centrist voters who are weary of polarization and state capture.
The candidate's personal background, including his working-class Sephardic roots and the loss of his son and nephews in Gaza, has resonated with some voters. "There is a large camp in Israel whose main goal in the coming election is just for things to be calmer," said Tal Elovits, a researcher at the Molad think tank. "The middle class is looking for someone who will look responsible, boring. I think Eisenkot has that appeal."
Eisenkot concluded his final major rally before the vote by urging Netanyahu supporters to consider a change, stating, "Deep down, you too know that Israel cannot go on like this. Israel needs change."