During his final rally on Sunday, Gadi Eisenkot outlined a plan to heal divisions and called for a state commission to investigate the October 7 Hamas attack.
Benjamin Netanyahu, who has faced corruption charges, countered by accusing Eisenkot of being "soft on Iran" and posted an AI‑generated mushroom cloud on X, asserting Israel’s security hinges on decisive action.
Voters like Yael Shkedi, a 66‑year‑old jeweller, said Eisenkot felt like a father figure who could bring Israelis together, a sentiment echoed by army reservist Chen Sharon who urged a leader they could trust.
Pre‑ban polls had Eisenkot and Netanyahu tied, and the three‑day polling ban before the election has heightened uncertainty among a populace weary of division.
The vote on Tuesday will decide Israel’s leadership, with Netanyahu’s future hanging in the balance as prosecutors push forward with his corruption trial.