The Israeli political scene is witnessing remarkable developments with the rise of former General Gadi Eisenkot in opinion polls, emerging as a serious rival to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Eisenkot, 65, who served as Israel’s army chief of staff between 2015 and 2019, enjoys growing popularity due to his image as a seasoned military man far removed from partisan politics, and because of his modest social background as the son of Moroccan Jewish immigrants who settled in Israel.
Political analysts believe that Eisenkot's strength lies in his being the complete opposite of Netanyahu. While the current Israeli prime minister has built his political empire over decades through polished, theatrical rhetoric and a charismatic personality, Eisenkot comes with an unassuming, undaunted style, having grown up on the fringes of Israeli society, far removed from the elite circles of power in which Netanyahu was nurtured.
This humble Moroccan background gives Eisenkot special sympathy among broad segments of Israeli society, especially those of Eastern origin and residents of peripheral cities, who feel marginalized in the existing political system.
Despite the momentum Eisenkot enjoys, he still has a long way to go. Four months after the last election, he has yet to secure a victory, facing a seasoned opponent like Netanyahu, considered one of the most skilled Israeli politicians in managing election campaigns and manipulating public opinion.
Netanyahu is aware of the danger posed by Eisenkot as a rival, as a close advisor revealed that the Likud party is preparing a fierce media campaign against the former general, including 400 videos that will be released successively to distort his image and undermine his rising popularity.
Eisenkot faces a dual challenge: proving his political acumen after a long military career, and confronting Netanyahu's relentless election campaign machine. But what gives him hope is that Israeli voters seem weary of the constant political infighting and may be inclined toward a new leader who combines military experience with a straightforward approach.
Recent polls indicate that Eisenkot is succeeding in attracting voters from across the political spectrum, including some of Netanyahu’s traditional supporters who have begun to lose faith in his leadership after years of uninterrupted rule.
The coming months will reveal whether the general, the son of Moroccan immigrants, will be able to break Netanyahu’s dominance over the Israeli political scene, or whether the prime minister’s experience in staying in power will once again outshine the challenges of the new rivals.
