Explained: Who is Gadi Eisenkot? Ex-army chief who could be next PM of Israel

Gadi Eisenkot, a former chief of staff of the Israel Defense Forces, is challenging Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with his Yashar party. While he has criticised Netanyahu’s handling of the October 7 attacks and the subsequent wars, Eisenkot also backs a hardline security policy towards Hamas and Iran.

New Delhi: As Israel’s October 27 election produces a close contest between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his challenger, former military chief Gadi Eisenkot has emerged as a central figure in the battle over the country’s political future. Exit polls have projected a tight race, with neither camp securing a clear majority in the 120-member Knesset, or parliament. 

Eisenkot, 66, leads the Yashar party, which he founded in 2025 after leaving Benny Gantz’s National Unity alliance. A career soldier who served as chief of staff of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) from 2015 to 2019, he is challenging Netanyahu over his leadership, the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks and the direction of Israel’s subsequent military campaigns. 

Who is Gadi Eisenkot?

Born to a family of Moroccan Jewish immigrants, Eisenkot joined the Israeli military in 1978 and spent more than four decades in service. He rose through the ranks before becoming the IDF’s chief of staff, serving under Netanyahu.

His military career has shaped his political identity. Eisenkot is known........

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