Who is Gadi Eisenkot, the ex-IDF chief challenging Netanyahu in Israel?
Gadi Eisenkot, a former IDF chief of staff, is challenging Benjamin Netanyahu in Israel's upcoming election. His campaign focuses on his military background and reputation for integrity.
Why it matters
The outcome of this election could significantly shift Israel's political landscape and its approach to regional security and foreign policy.
JERUSALEM — Israel’s high-stakes election on Oct. 27 pits the longest serving prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, against the highly decorated retired Lt. Gen. Gadi Eisenkot. While fairly new to politics, Eisenkot has an impressive resume that could help him become the Jewish state's next leader. According to a number of polls, Eisenkot's centrist political party, Yashar, has a narrow lead over Netanyahu's Likud. To form a government, Yashar or Likud will need to cobble together a 61-seat majority of parties to be able to form a new coalition government. TRUMP SAYS NETANYAHU NEEDS TO BE RE-ELECTED, OR ELSE US WILL HAVE TO 'FINISH THE JOB’ AGAINST IRAN ALONE Who is the 66-year-old Eisenkot? He was born in Tiberias in Israel’s north to a Jewish-Moroccan family who relocated to Israel’s southernmost city, Eilat, on the Red Sea when he was a toddler.
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