Eisenkot launches campaign: 'A new and much better chapter is coming'

Former IDF Chief of Staff and war cabinet minister Gadi Eisenkot formally launched his campaign for prime minister on Tuesday evening, vowing to be "the prime minister of everyone." The event follows Eisenkot's recent surge in opposition polls, where he has overtaken Naftali Bennett in voter preference, as The Zioneer has reported.

Gadi Eisenkot, former IDF chief of staff and war cabinet minister, launched his official campaign for prime minister on Tuesday evening, pledging in a speech to be "the prime minister of everyone" and declaring that "a new and much better chapter" in Israel's history is about to begin.

The announcement comes as Eisenkot, leader of the Yashar party, has been leading opposition voter preference in recent polls, overtaking former prime minister Naftali Bennett and positioning himself as the main challenger to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the upcoming election, as The Zioneer has reported (June 16). Eisenkot had already announced his candidacy earlier on Tuesday, per a statement from his team published by The Zioneer at 21:08.

The campaign launch event, covered by i24NEWS, is the formal start of his bid, following weeks of speculation and a series of political moves — including a reported invitation to Netanyahu for a public debate. Eisenkot has recently signaled openness to Bennett serving under him in a future government, while also accusing Netanyahu of running a cynical campaign.

The election is expected to take place later this year, though a date has not yet been set.

5 developments

1. 1 hour ago · 23:45 · 30 JunLatest

   Pledges state inquiry into October 7 and capping reserve service.

2. 21:35 · 30 Jun

   Formally declared candidacy for prime minister in a Tuesday evening speech.

3. 21:12 · 30 Jun

   Eisenkot pledged to focus on economy and education in his campaign launch.

• Developing18:13 · 16 JunEx-IDF chief Gadi Eisenkot calls for state commission of inquiry into Oct 7
• Developing2 hours ago · 22:33 · 30 JunEisenkot campaign launches; former minister Matan Kahana interviewed on Netanyahu's October 7 responsibility
• Developing4 hours ago · 20:56 · 30 JunNetanyahu says he will push for unity government; Eisenkot accuses him of cynical campaigning
• Developing12:20 · 9 JunEisenkot Challenges Netanyahu to Public Debate

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