Former Israeli Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot Launches Campaign to Replace Netanyahu

Former Israeli army chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot has begun his electoral campaign with the goal of becoming prime minister and unseating Benjamin Netanyahu. Speaking at his first rally, Eisenkot said, "Israel deserves to open a new chapter. We will write it together," and criticised Netanyahu’s handling of the Gaza war. He founded the Yashar party in September 2023, positioning it as a "sincere, honest" Zionist alternative that will end what he described as "leadership lacking vision and strategy." Eisenkot pledged a responsible, decade‑long transition for Israel, urging the October‑scheduled government to step aside and make way for a new direction.

The launch marks the first major public appearance of the Yashar party ahead of elections scheduled in four months, signalling a direct challenge to the incumbent administration.