Background of Gadi Eizenkot

Gadi Eizenkot, a former chief of staff of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), has emerged as a potential successor to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Eizenkot, born in 1960 in Tiberias to a Moroccan Jewish family, was raised in Eilat, far from the traditional centers of power in Tel Aviv and the kibbutzim.

Eizenkot's military beginnings

Eizenkot's military career began in 1978, when he joined the Golani brigade, a unit known for its rough and popular character, emblematic of peripheral Israel. His leadership style, marked by sobriety and a disdain for emphasis, has been shaped by his early experiences in the military.

Leadership and reform in the IDF

As a young section leader, Eizenkot demonstrated a quiet but effective leadership style, using personal authority rather than public displays of power. His tenure as commander of the Golani brigade was marked by his efforts to reform the unit's culture, banning humiliations and restoring the authority of young officers.

Military and political experience

As he advanced in his military career, Eizenkot took on roles that exposed him to the interplay between civilian and military power. Serving as a military secretary to Ehud Barak and Ariel Sharon, he gained insights into the political objectives that military force serves. His leadership in the Northern Command and his role in developing the "Dahiya doctrine" further solidified his reputation as a strategic military leader.

Divergence from Netanyahu

Eizenkot's divergence from Netanyahu became apparent during his tenure as chief of staff of the IDF. His strict adherence to military norms and his criticism of actions that he deemed contrary to those norms placed him at odds with Netanyahu and parts of the right. Eizenkot's approach emphasized the importance of discipline and the legal and military necessity of actions taken by the IDF.

Politics and personal loss

Following the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, Eizenkot entered politics and joined the war cabinet. His personal experiences, including the loss of his son and nephew in the conflict, have influenced his political stance. Eizenkot's approach to the war and his criticism of the government's handling of the conflict reflect his belief that military force should serve political objectives.

Leadership style and political appeal

Eizenkot's leadership style, characterized by prudence and a focus on work plans and budgets, contrasts sharply with Netanyahu's more flamboyant approach. His ability to reconcile the center and the periphery of Israeli society may position him as a viable alternative to Netanyahu in the current political climate.