Gadi Eisenkot, a prominent Israeli military and political figure, former Chief of Staff of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and one of the country's leading opposition politicians, has emerged as a key rival to current Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in polls.
Modern.az reports that this was stated in a material prepared by the influential Middle Eastern magazine “Al-Majalla” regarding the political situation in Israel.
The publication writes that Eisenkot is trying to protect both his political legacy and his future political existence by fighting Netanyahu.
“Al-Majalla” dedicated the cover of its latest issue to the possible political confrontation between Eisenkot and Netanyahu, the prospects for a change of power, and what consequences this could have for Israel, Palestine, and the region after many years of wars.
The material questions whether Eisenkot can break the existing “curse” regarding generals coming to power in Israeli politics and put an end to the Netanyahu era.
Gadi Eisenkot served as the 21st Chief of Staff of the Israeli Army from 2015 to 2019.
During his tenure as Chief of Staff, he attached special importance to strengthening cooperation between Azerbaijan and Israel in the field of military and regional security.
After the attacks of October 7, 2023, Gadi Eisenkot served as a minister without portfolio and a member of the war cabinet in Israel's emergency national unity government.
In December 2023, his 25-year-old son, Gal Eisenkot, was killed during fighting in the Gaza Strip. This event seriously affected Gadi Eisenkot's reputation in Israeli society and his political rhetoric.
He sharply criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's war strategy and lack of a strategic plan, resigning from the war cabinet in June 2024.
Q. Eisenkot is currently the leader of his self-founded center-right political party, "Yashar".
Gadi Eisenkot is considered one of the strongest candidates for the post of the next prime minister of the country, surpassing Netanyahu's “Likud” party in opinion polls ahead of the parliamentary elections to be held on October 27, 2026.
An opinion poll broadcast by Israel's "Channel 12" on Monday evening showed significant changes in the country's political landscape ahead of possible snap elections.
According to the results of the poll, Gadi Eisenkot's party is in first place with 24 seats. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's “Likud” party is in second place with 23 seats.
In third place comes Naftali Bennett's party with 15 seats. Yair Golan's Democrats party wins 11, and Avigdor Liberman's “Yisrael Beytenu” party wins 9 seats.
What is noteworthy about the poll is that when voters were asked who was more suitable for the position of Prime Minister, Eisenkot came out ahead of Netanyahu.
Q. Eisenkot's lead over B. Netanyahu in both party ratings and as the main candidate for Prime Minister indicates that a new phase may begin in Israeli politics.
A. Gorkhmaz
