Daijiworld Media Network – Jerusalem
Jerusalem, Jul 1: Former Israeli military chief Gadi Eisenkot has formally launched his campaign for Israel's upcoming general elections, positioning himself as one of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's strongest challengers ahead of the polls scheduled for the fall.
Eisenkot, who resigned from Netanyahu's war Cabinet in 2024 over what he described as the government's lack of a clear strategy in Gaza, launched the campaign of his centrist party, Yashar! (Straight!), on Tuesday.
Addressing supporters, the 66-year-old former general called for national unity and renewal.
"This time it's on us," Eisenkot said. "Will we turn a blind eye to the disaster that has befallen us? Will we accept the continued division and rush to the next disaster? Or will we heal and rebuild?"
Although he did not directly mention the conflicts in Gaza, Lebanon or Iran during his speech, Eisenkot has repeatedly criticised Netanyahu's handling of Israel's security challenges since the Hamas attack of October 7, 2023. He has argued that the prime minister's leadership has left Israel more isolated and strategically vulnerable.
Netanyahu has dismissed the criticism, claiming that following Eisenkot's recommendations during the Gaza conflict would have allowed Hamas to retain control of the territory.
A former Israel Defense Forces chief of staff, Eisenkot is widely regarded as a respected military figure. The loss of his son, Gal Meir Eisenkot, and two nephews during the Gaza war has further strengthened his standing among many Israelis, who view him as a leader with personal sacrifice and national credibility.
Political analysts say Eisenkot presents a sharp contrast to Netanyahu. Unlike the veteran prime minister, who faces an ongoing corruption trial, Eisenkot comes from a working-class background, spent four decades in military service and has built his campaign around unity, national security and institutional reform.
His platform includes strengthening Israel's security through regional cooperation, rebuilding communities affected by the October 7 attacks, investing in education and healthcare, and establishing a state commission of inquiry into the security failures that led to the Hamas assault.
Eisenkot has also pledged to introduce mandatory military service for Israel's ultra-Orthodox communities under the slogan "Service for All," a proposal that could become a major issue in coalition negotiations.
Despite his growing popularity, political observers note that Israel's fragmented parliamentary system makes defeating Netanyahu a difficult task. Even if Eisenkot's party wins the largest number of seats, he would still need to build a broad coalition with other parties to secure a governing majority.