Israeli President Isaac Herzog announced on November 7, 2026, that he has appointed Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the Yashar party, to form a new government. This move comes after Benjamin Netanyahu's departure, amidst deep political divisions within the country. Eisenkot, a former military chief of staff, secured backing from 67 lawmakers, paving the way for his new role.
Gadi Eisenkot, born in 1960 in Tiberias, Israel, to parents of Moroccan Jewish descent, has a long-standing military background. He joined the Israeli army in 1978 and rose through the ranks to become a general. Eisenkot served as the chief of the General Staff of the Israeli Defense Forces and was a key figure in the 2006 Lebanon War, where he implemented the strategy known as the "Dahiya doctrine."
Eisenkot entered politics in 2022, becoming a member of the Knesset. He was also part of the smaller cabinet, known as the "war cabinet," formed after the October 2023 "Al-Aqsa Flood" operation. With a background in history, Eisenkot holds a bachelor's degree from Tel Aviv University and a master's degree from the American College for Military and Strategic Studies.
As a prominent figure in Israeli politics, Eisenkot has expressed strong views on security and defense. His "Dahiya doctrine" focuses on targeting infrastructure in response to attacks, considering civilians in areas with militant groups as legitimate targets. This approach aims to punish and deter populations from supporting resistance movements.
Eisenkot's relations with Netanyahu have been strained, particularly after the "Al-Aqsa Flood" operation. He criticized Netanyahu's handling of the situation and questioned his strategy in Gaza. This tension escalated when Eisenkot participated in a large protest in Tel Aviv against the government's handling of the hostage crisis in Gaza.
Personal tragedy struck Eisenkot during the conflict, as his eldest son, Gal, was killed in a bombed tunnel in the Gaza Strip in December 2023. His nephew, Maor Cohen, also lost his life in Gaza battles two days later. These events further fueled Eisenkot's decision to resign from the emergency government formed by Netanyahu in June 2024.
In late 2025, Eisenkot founded a new political party called Yashar. His campaign focused on his security expertise and the "Dahiya doctrine." He advocates for the destruction of Hamas's military wing, preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear capabilities, and opposes the establishment of a Palestinian state, while supporting settlement in the occupied West Bank.
Key points
- Eisenkot secured support from 67 lawmakers for his new government.
- He implemented the "Dahiya doctrine" during the 2006 Lebanon War.
- Eisenkot opposes the establishment of a Palestinian state and supports settlement in the occupied West Bank.
Reporting sources
- Jawhara FM · Jawhara FM
