Can the "man without charisma" defeat Netanyahu?

Former Commander-in-Chief Gadi Eisenkot is, on the surface, everything that incumbent Prime Minister Netanyahu is not. When SVT visits his campaign meeting in Tel Aviv, the applause is enthusiastic, but the atmosphere is not very moving.

Eisenkot leads the new party Yashar, which roughly means "straight" or "honest". He says he is standing in the election to "save Israel". According to him, Netanyahu has dragged Israel into perpetual wars, destroyed the country's international reputation and greatly eroded US support.

No dove of peace

Much of the election debate has revolved around Israel's security. Eisenkot is demanding a government investigation into how the October 7 attacks could take place, and an end to the escalating settler violence against Palestinians in the West Bank. In December 2023, his youngest son was killed while serving in the Gaza War.

He wants to see continued attacks on Gaza, Lebanon and Iran, but is considered more open to diplomacy than Netanyahu.

Military pitted against "Mr Security"

With a total of over 18 years as prime minister, Netanyahu has built his political career on the promise of being Israel's "Mr Security" and claims to be the only politician who can guarantee Israel's security. He opposes a government inquiry into the October 7 attacks, and has denied media reports that warnings were issued from Egypt and the United Arab Emirates ahead of the Hamas terror attack.

Ahead of the election on October 27, it is even between the blocs. The opposition has a small lead but neither side looks set to get a majority of its own. All of Israel's governments have been coalition governments.