Eisenkot positions himself as calm alternative to Netanyahu in Israeli election

Former Israeli military chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot is presenting himself as a steady, unifying alternative to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of Tuesday's general election. Eisenkot, who led the army from 2015 to 2019, emphasizes restoring Israel's international image after three years of conflict in Gaza and heightened tensions in the West Bank.

He has pledged to curb extremist settler violence, describing recent attacks on Palestinians and foreign journalists as "Jewish terror" facilitated by the current government. While rejecting the creation of a Palestinian state, Eisenkot affirmed that West Bank settlements remain a national interest when they serve Israel's security and are established under the law.

Eisenkot also highlighted 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 greater protection for LGBTQ citizens. He reiterated support for judicial independence, minority rights and a free press to attract centrist voters.

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."