Former military chief Gadi Eisenkot challenges Netanyahu in tight Israeli election race

Former military chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot is mounting a challenge against long-serving Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a close electoral race. Mr. Eisenkot, who led the military from 2015 to 2019 and heads the centrist Yashar party, presents a serious and unassuming style that contrasts with Mr. Netanyahu's media-focused approach. ## Campaign and Policies Mr. Eisenkot has promised to unite Israelis and restore the country's international image after three years of war in Gaza and violence in the West Bank. He has vowed to crack down on violent West Bank settlers, calling their attacks on Palestinians and foreign visitors 'Jewish terror'. On national security, he opposes a Palestinian state and previously devised the 'Dahiya doctrine' during the 2006 war with Hezbollah. He has also pledged to end Hamas rule in Gaza within 18 months using either U.S. President Donald Trump's ceasefire plan or military operations. Addressing domestic divides, he proposed a universal national service law requiring military or civil service from ultra-Orthodox Jews and Arab citizens. ## Background and Controversy With working-class roots as the son of Moroccan Jews, Mr. Eisenkot would become Israel's first Sephardic Prime Minister. His background drew controversy when a commentator on Channel 14 used a derogatory term against him, drawing widespread condemnation and a rebuke from Mr. Netanyahu. Mr. Eisenkot's campaign used billboards to highlight discrimination and accused Mr. Netanyahu of sidelining Sephardic members of the Likud party. ## Context Israeli politics have experienced deep divisions over the past several years, driven by prolonged military conflicts in Gaza and the West Bank, judicial reform debates, and the lengthy tenure of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The rise of alternative leaders like Gadi Eisenkot reflects a push among centrist voters for stability and a shift in tone at the top of government.