Who is Gadi Eisenkot, the former army chief challenging Netanyahu?

What Happened

Ahead of Israel's 27 October general election, former IDF chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot has emerged as the leading opposition challenger to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The Middle East Eye profile traces Eisenkot's trajectory from a 40-year military career—including command roles during the 2014 Gaza war (then as deputy chief of staff under Benny Gantz) and as chief of staff from 2015 to 2019—to his political entry in 2022 with the National Unity party. The article highlights his association with the 'Dahieh Doctrine' (the use of disproportionate force and targeting of civilian infrastructure in areas from which attacks originate) and his handling of the 2016 Elor Azaria case, where he insisted on a court-martial. Since the 7 October 2023 Hamas-led attacks, Eisenkot served in Netanyahu's war cabinet but publicly criticized the prime minister for failing to prioritize the return of hostages, accusing far-right coalition partners Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben Gvir of undermining a deal. Recent polls suggest Eisenkot leads a broad opposition bloc that could end Netanyahu's governing coalition.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The election could determine the trajectory of Israel's military campaigns in Gaza and the north, hostage negotiations, and the ultra-Orthodox conscription controversy. Eisenkot's security credentials and his public break with Netanyahu over war strategy signal a potential shift toward a different military and diplomatic approach, even as his own record—including the 'Dahieh Doctrine' and leadership during high-casualty Gaza confrontations—suggests continued hardline policies. A broad coalition under Eisenkot might reconfigure domestic and regional dynamics.

Watch For

The 27 October Knesset election is the immediate milestone; monitor pre-election polls for shifts in the 61-seat majority threshold. Watch for any ceasefire or hostage-release deal before the vote, as it could impact Netanyahu's standing. Also track campaign statements from Eisenkot and his bloc on Gaza operations, West Bank policy, and ultra-Orthodox conscription. Netanyahu's coalition negotiations with far-right factions may become more strained.