Gadi Eisenkot: The ex-general seeking Israel’s highest political office

Gadi Eisenkot, 66, leader of the Yashar Party in Israel is seeking to turn his four decades in military uniform into political power, challenging Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the country's election.

The polls have left Israel's rival political blocs short of a clear parliamentary majority.

Exit polls released after Tuesday's election projected neither Eisenkot, nor Netanyahu's party securing the 61 seats needed for a majority in the 120-member Knesset.


A PTI report showed that Netanyahu's right-wing bloc was projected to win 50-52 seats, while the opposition bloc was estimated to have 49-53, while Arab-led parties were projected to win around 17-18 seats.

The figures were projections, not final results, with the official count still under way.

Who is Gadi Eisenkot?

Born in Tiberias to a family of Moroccan Jewish immigrants, Eisenkot grew up in Tiberias and Eilat. He joined the Golani Brigade of the Israel Defence Forces (IDF), in 1978 and served for 41 years before retiring.

He became the chief of general staff of IDF in February 2015, holding the position until January 2019. His career in the military included positions such as senior operational and command roles.

Eisenkot entered national politics in 2022, joining Benny Gantz's National Unity alliance.

His political profile expanded after Hamas' October 7, 2023 as he joined the emergency war cabinet formed by Netanyahu. He exited the cabinet in June 2024 and criticized Netanyahu of the absence of a clear startegy and accused him of allowing political considerations to take precedence over the country's security.

Eisenkot has promisded to establish a state commission of inquiry into the security failures surrounding the attack.

He built his campaign around security, governance and a more disciplined approach to military decision-making and has taken strict jibes against Hamas and Hezbollah, also arguing that Israel must prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

He has stressed on ending Hamas' rule in Gaza within 18 months of taking office, through the implementation of US President Donald Trump's Gaza framework or military action.

He has described the two-state solution for Israel and Palestine "unrealistic" and has opposed the establishment of a Palestinian state.

He has also criticised Israel's planned E1 settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank, warning of the international costs, and called for action against settler violence and illegal outposts.

He opposed formal annexation of the West Bank.

Eisenkot's biggest challenge may be forming a government in a fragmented parliament.

Arab-led parties could hold enough seats to influence which candidate can assemble a majority, as per the PTI report.

Eisenkot has ruled out including Arab parties in a government he leads.

He has framed the government he wants to form as a Zionist government committed to universal military service and dismantling Hamas.

Eisenkot's stand on national service remains significant as ultra-Orthodox parties historically secure exemptions from military conscription for many students and their support have been central to Netanyahu's coalition.

He argues that the burden of national service should be shared more broadly, as per PTI.

His Moroccan Jewish background is another part of his political profile. Mizrahi Jews, whose families originated in the Middle East and North Africa, have historically had a complicated relationship with Israel's political establishment, including grievances over discrimination and social exclusion.

Moreover, his military record gives him security credibility but does not guarantee political success.

His prospects will depend on whether he can bridge ideological differences and assemble enough parliamentary support to replace Netanyahu.