Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's 19-year tenure is facing a threat from the emergence of a new opposition politician.

The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on July 5 (local time) that Gadi Eisenkot, a former chief of staff of the Israel Defense Forces, is gaining attention as a candidate for the next prime minister.

According to local polls, Eisenkot's approval rating as a suitable prime ministerial candidate stands at 41%, surpassing Prime Minister Netanyahu (40%) within the margin of error.

The centrist Yasar Party, founded by Eisenkot, is recording support levels similar to those of Prime Minister Netanyahu's right-wing Likud Party.

Eisenkot is viewed as a politician who stands in stark contrast to Prime Minister Netanyahu.

Following the terrorist attack by the Palestinian militant group Hamas in October 2023, Eisenkot joined Netanyahu's coalition government citing a national crisis, but he left the government after eight months.

At the time, Eisenkot publicly criticized Prime Minister Netanyahu, arguing that he was unnecessarily prolonging the war and putting the lives of hostages at risk.

Eisenkot's youngest son and two nephews were killed in the Gaza Strip during the early stages of the war.

Analysts suggest that this personal sacrifice is resonating with Israeli voters who have children serving in the military.

In contrast, Prime Minister Netanyahu's children did not serve as reservists in the Gaza war.

In particular, the Prime Minister's eldest son, who resides in the United States, faced controversy after public images showed him living in a luxury apartment in Miami despite the reserve call-up, rather than returning to Israel.

The WSJ analyzed that if Eisenkot's popularity continues until the general election scheduled for October, a change in government is possible.

However, Eisenkot's path to the premiership is not expected to be smooth.

Having entered politics in 2022, Eisenkot is still an untested political newcomer who has yet to provide concrete positions on key security issues, such as the future of the Gaza Strip.

Israel's unique multi-party political structure is also a variable.

Recent polls indicate that the Netanyahu camp will fail to secure a majority of seats, but it remains difficult for the opposition bloc to form a coalition government on its own.

Experts suggest that Prime Minister Netanyahu may choose a strategy of blocking the opposition from forming a coalition to induce political deadlock, thereby maintaining his position as prime minister.