Gadi Eizenkot
Gadi Eizenkot is a former IDF Chief of Staff (2015–2019) and current political leader who serves as the chairman of the Yashar party. A prominent figure in the opposition bloc, Eizenkot advocates for universal conscription and a security-first strategy focused on the demilitarization of southern Lebanon and the disarmament of Hezbollah.
Gadi Eizenkot has emerged as a central pillar of the Israeli political opposition, leveraging his military background as a former Chief of Staff to challenge the current government's security and social policies. As the leader of the Yashar party, Eizenkot has positioned himself as the primary advocate for "Zionist conscription," arguing that the IDF's personnel needs—exacerbated by years of multi-front conflict—require an end to broad exemptions for the Haredi sector. His political platform is built on the premise that a stable Israeli government cannot rely on factions that support draft evasion.
In the security sphere, Eizenkot maintains a hawkish stance regarding Israel's northern border. He has publicly called for the total demilitarization of southern Lebanon and the disarmament of Hezbollah, framing these as essential conditions for long-term national resilience. His approach combines traditional military deterrence with a demand for domestic social cohesion through shared service. Recently, Eizenkot has signaled a willingness to partner with religious parties like Shas, provided they accept the fundamental principle of mandatory conscription, reflecting a pragmatic attempt to bridge the gap between secular and religious Zionist interests while maintaining military readiness.
Eizenkot's rise within the opposition bloc in mid-2026 follows his departure from the war cabinet and his subsequent move to lead the Yashar party. He frequently critiques Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition, claiming it is mathematically and ideologically incapable of passing the necessary legislation to sustain the IDF's manpower requirements. By framing the political choice as a binary between a "draft-dodging government" and a "Zionist conscription coalition," Eizenkot seeks to consolidate the center-right and security-conscious electorate.