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JAKE WALLIS SIMONS: A war hero whose son was killed in Gaza, Gadi Eisenkot as prime minister would be a victory for democracy – but he’s as hawkish as Bibi on Iran
Gadi Eisenkot, a former Israeli army chief whose son and two nephews were killed in Gaza, has been invited to try to form a government after his opposition coalition won 48 seats in Israel’s 120-seat parliament. His potential rise could end Benjamin Netanyahu’s long period in power and bring a leader from Israel’s Mizrahi community to the premiership.
Eisenkot served in the military for 41 years, including as chief of staff, and entered politics after resigning from government in 2024. The article portrays him as a critic of Netanyahu’s handling of the wars, while arguing that Eisenkot shares Netanyahu’s hard-line position on Iran. His coalition would need support beyond its 48 seats to command a parliamentary majority.
In short
- Gadi Eisenkot has been asked to try to form Israel’s next government.
- His coalition won 48 of the Knesset’s 120 seats.
- The former army chief is described as hawkish on Iran.
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The case for
Eisenkot’s possible premiership could offer a democratic change after Netanyahu’s long tenure and bring a leader from the Mizrahi community to the country’s highest office. His military experience and criticism of the government’s handling of the wars may appeal to voters seeking a change in leadership, while his coalition’s need to secure wider parliamentary support could encourage compromise.
The case against
Replacing Netanyahu would not necessarily mean a significant change in security policy: Eisenkot is described as sharing his hard-line stance on Iran, and his military background may signal continuity on other questions of war and security. With only 48 of 120 seats, his coalition would also need support from other parties, potentially limiting its ability to govern or deliver the changes voters expect.
Explained simply
Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, has 120 seats, so a government needs support from at least 61 members. Parties often form coalitions to reach that number, meaning an election result can leave a politician needing backing from other groups before they can govern.
Gadi Eisenkot is a former head of the Israeli military who entered politics after decades in uniform. He is part of an opposition coalition challenging Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s long-serving prime minister; Netanyahu’s Likud party and its allies have led the government for much of the past several years.
The prospect of a change in leadership matters because the government would shape Israel’s approach to the war in Gaza and to Iran, a major regional rival. Eisenkot has criticised Netanyahu’s conduct of the wars, while both men have taken a hard line on Iran; any new government would also have to keep enough parliamentary partners behind it.
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