Israel's Ex-Army Chief Launches Campaign to Unseat Netanyahu

Israel's former army chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot on Tuesday announced the start of his electoral campaign as he bids to take over the seat of prime minister from veteran leader Benjamin Netanyahu. Four months ahead of the planned polls, Eisenkot held his first electoral meeting, where he declared that 'Israel deserves to open a new chapter. We will write it together.'

Gadi Eisenkot, a 61-year-old Israeli army veteran, served as the chief of the Israel Defense Forces from 2015 to 2023. As army chief, Eisenkot oversaw several key operations, including the 2014 Gaza War. Eisenkot's military career spans over three decades. His tenure as army chief was marked by his efforts to modernize the Israeli military, including the development of new defense systems and the expansion of Israel's cyber capabilities.

Eisenkot's campaign, which kicked off on Tuesday, is focused on ending Netanyahu's government's role in history after the 2023 Hamas attack on Israel. 'For the future of Israel, we must ensure that next October, the 'October 7' government ends its role in history,' Eisenkot said in a statement. Eisenkot's comments are a direct reference to the devastating Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, which led to a 12-day war between Israel and Hamas. The attack saw widespread destruction and the loss of hundreds of lives.

Benjamin Netanyahu has been leading Israel since 2009, with the exception of a two-year period from 2021 to 2023. His government has been criticized for its handling of the 2023 Hamas attack and its subsequent response. The move by Eisenkot to challenge Netanyahu's leadership is seen as a significant development in Israeli politics, with several analysts predicting a tight contest between the two former army chiefs.

Eisenkot's campaign promises include increasing investment in Israel's education and healthcare systems, as well as addressing the country's growing housing and transportation crises. He also pledged to take a tougher stance against Iran and Hamas, which he believes pose significant threats to Israel's national security.

Eisenkot's announcement is not the first challenge to Netanyahu's leadership. Several other former Israeli officials, including former Prime Minister Ehud Barak and former defense minister Moshe Yaalon, have also expressed interest in running against Netanyahu in the upcoming elections.

The Israeli elections are scheduled to take place in October 2026. The outcome is uncertain, with several parties and candidates vying for power.