Former Israeli Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot Becomes Netanyahu's Strongest Opponent

Gadi Eisenkot, the former Chief of Staff of the Israeli Defense Forces, is seen as the strongest opponent to Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu in the upcoming elections on October 27. Eisenkot is expected to gain votes from the "soft right" voters in traditional Likud strongholds such as Kiryat Shmona, Ofakim, Ashdod, Nahariya, and Dimona, which could potentially end Netanyahu's rule. The most significant event that shaped Eisenkot's view on politics and war is the death of his soldier son in Gaza.

Eisenkot is described as "the exact opposite of Netanyahu" in terms of personality and leadership style. The former Chief of Staff is seen as a more calm, humble, and institutional figure, which could make him an attractive alternative leader for the Israeli electorate in the post-war period. Eisenkot, who is of Mizrahi descent, could become one of the first Mizrahi prime ministers of Israel.