Former Israeli General Gadi Eisenkot Is Main Challenger to Netanyahu Ahead of October 27 Election

Summary

Gadi Eisenkot, a former Israeli army chief of staff, has emerged as the main challenger to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Israel's elections on October 27. NPR reports that a former Israeli general is the main center-right challenger hoping to unseat Netanyahu this week. The New York Times reports that Eisenkot has emerged as Netanyahu's main opponent, and its Jerusalem bureau chief, David Halbfinger, describes why Eisenkot is resonating with Israeli voters. Le Monde reports that Eisenkot now leads Yashar!, the main opposition party in the vote, and has called for unity and calm. It says he entered politics in 2022 and has taken a stand against the outgoing prime minister's populist and radical policies.

Timeline

1. NPR

   25 Oct 2026, 21:22 UTCSource ↗

   NPR reports that a former Israeli general is the main center-right challenger hoping to unseat Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Israeli elections this week.

2. The New York Times

   26 Oct 2026, 04:14 UTCSource ↗

   The New York Times reports that Gadi Eisenkot has emerged as Netanyahu's main opponent in the upcoming Israeli elections, and its Jerusalem bureau chief, David Halbfinger, describes why Eisenkot is resonating with Israeli voters.

3. Le Monde

   26 Oct 2026, 14:19 UTCSource ↗

   Le Monde reports that Gadi Eisenkot, the former chief of the General Staff, now leads Yashar!, the main opposition party in the October 27 elections, and calls for unity and calm.