Former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot is the prime minister’s strongest rival in the first nationwide election since the Hamas-led attacks of Oct. 7, 2023.
\n\nIsraelis this morning are voting in an election being closely watched in the United States.
\n\nBoth Netanyahu and Eisenkot claim the future of Israel and its security is at stake. Netanyahu has played up his close ties to President Donald Trump in the final days of the race, and a Netanyahu victory could mean the war in Iran they launched together could intensify again.
\n\nThe candidate with the best chance of ousting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Tuesday’s election is understated and, by his own self-deprecating admission, overweight.
\n\nBut according to his friends and supporters, Gadi Eisenkot’s lack of glamour is exactly what Israel needs.
\n\n“We’re not choosing a Hollywood actor. We’re choosing a prime minister,” said Kobi Marum, who said he’s known Eisenkot for 45 years, since they served together in the military. “They know that he says exactly the truth, no fake news. That’s the man. He’s not charismatic like others, but he’s saying exactly the right thing.”
\n\nThe last polls before election day have given Eisenkot’s Yashar presumed coalition a…
Original source: https://www.nbcnews.com/business