Netanyahu faces his opposite in Israeli election: Gadi Eisenkot

Gadi Eisenkot, a former Israeli military chief leading polls against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Tuesday's election, campaigns as his polar opposite, calling Netanyahu an "anti-leader" while vowing to "save Israel" from endless wars and authoritarianism. Eisenkot, 66, whose son was killed in Gaza, criticizes Netanyahu for evading responsibility for the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack and promises a state inquiry commission. His platform includes term limits, a constitution, and curbing ultra-Orthodox exemptions, though his quiet campaign style worries supporters as his lead narrows. A career soldier, Eisenkot is known for blunt speech and discipline, including prosecuting a soldier for killing a wounded attacker. He briefly served in Netanyahu's government post-October 7 before resigning in June 2024 to found the Yashar party.