Who is Gadi Eisenkot, the ex-IDF chief challenging Netanyahu in Israel?

Key Points:

• Israel's upcoming election on October 27 features a close contest between longtime Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and retired Lt. Gen. Gadi Eisenkot, whose centrist party Yashar currently holds a narrow lead in polls.
• Eisenkot, a former IDF chief of staff with a distinguished military career, is noted for his modesty and honesty, and would be Israel's first prime minister of Moroccan descent if elected.
• Despite his military successes, Eisenkot faces criticism for his role in shaping the IDF prior to Hamas's deadly attack on October 7, 2023, with some analysts holding him partly responsible for intelligence failures.
• Eisenkot joined Netanyahu’s war cabinet after the Hamas attack but resigned after eight months, citing the prime minister’s failure to implement a comprehensive strategy; his son and two nephews were killed by Hamas in the conflict.
• Analysts suggest Eisenkot’s appeal stems largely from being the primary alternative to Netanyahu, with potential to address issues like extremist violence and Israel’s international standing, though questions remain about his political resolve.