Former Israeli military chief Gadi Eisenkot is challenging Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over Israel's security, international standing and internal divisions ahead of Tuesday's election.
Eisenkot, 66, says he wants to save the country and argues that Netanyahu's leadership has prolonged conflicts and weakened Israel's position abroad.
His campaign style is direct and matter-of-fact, shaped by his military background, and he presents his plans as straightforward objectives rather than conventional political appeals.
According to The New York Times, that approach reflects what he considers the severity of Israel's problems.
Personal Loss and a Message of Accountability
Eisenkot has also experienced personal loss during the war in Gaza.
His son was killed two months into the conflict, and his grief became publicly visible when he delivered a eulogy broadcast on national television.
He accuses Netanyahu of entangling the country in prolonged wars, damaging its international reputation and diminishing support for Israel in the United States.
He further argues that Netanyahu has moved Israel toward authoritarianism and deepened divisions within Israeli society.
His criticism covers violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, killings of Arab citizens by organized criminal groups and repeated military reserve call-ups.
In Eisenkot's assessment, ultra-Orthodox Israelis who avoid military service add to an unequal burden on reservists who have been repeatedly called back to duty.
Eisenkot has also criticized Netanyahu's handling of the security failures preceding the Hamas-led attack on Oct.
7, 2023, arguing the prime minister has failed to accept responsibility for the breakdowns that allowed the attack to occur.
These criticisms place security accountability, military service, relations with international partners and domestic cohesion at the center of his challenge.
His campaign contrasts his military leadership background with his portrayal of Netanyahu's record in office.
