A Former Soldier Challenges Netanyahu’s Long Rule

Israel is heading toward a tough election where an ex-military leader could shake things up. Gadi Eisenkot, once the army’s top commander, has built a new political party called Yashar, which means “straight” in Hebrew. Unlike Benjamin Netanyahu, who has led the country for years and faces corruption concerns, Eisenkot presents himself as a humble soldier with a tough security record. Eisenkot’s name carries weight because he served as chief of staff from 2015 to 2019. But his personal story hits hard for many Israelis. Three family members, including his youngest son, died in recent Gaza battles. Draped in grief, he sells himself as an honest outsider, not a career politician. His ideas on defense are blunt. He believes in crushing enemy threats fast, even if it means heavy destruction. This approach, called the “Dahiyeh doctrine, ” means hitting back hard where enemies hide—like bombing parts of Beirut during the 2006 war. Eisenkot once called it “disproportionate strikes” and argued soldiers should strike wherever needed without limits. His sharp words against U. S. ceasefire demands and talk of eliminating Palestinian state calls show he’s no dove.

Polls now put Yashar in second place, just behind Netanyahu’s Likud. Yet neither has enough votes to rule alone. Eisenkot’s chance lies in making deals with more parties, unlike Netanyahu, whose right-wing allies might block him. Still, forming a coalition could be messy. Another ex-leader, Naftali Bennett, also hopes to play kingmaker in what’s shaping up to be a chaotic vote before October. Not everyone is sold on Eisenkot’s appeal. Netanyahu’s team jokes about his English skills, saying he might struggle with crucial Western allies. Yet in today’s right-leaning Israel, Eisenkot looks like a centrist. He wants both Arab citizens and ultra-Orthodox Jews to share military duty—something that could spark fierce debates. What’s clear is Israelis are tired after years of war and tension. Many voters crave change, tired of the same old names and scandals. Eisenkot’s mix of sacrifice, plain-talking, and military fame offers something new. But Netanyahu isn’t down yet. A political survivor like him could still pull off another win against the odds.

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