Ben Caspit chose his Man of the Year: 'There's a kind of perfect storm here, he doesn't have Netanyahu's English'

Journalist Ben Caspit selected Gadi Eisenkot as his Man of the Year, explaining that Eisenkot has become the most significant challenger to Benjamin Netanyahu. Caspit described Eisenkot's rise as a "perfect storm" and noted that the heavy personal bereavement Eisenkot carries shaped his political path and turned him into the "anti-Bibi".

Journalist Ben Caspit chose Gadi Eisenkot as his Man of the Year in an interview on 103FM. Caspit explained that over the past year, Eisenkot has transformed from a relatively gray figure into a significant political candidate, describing the process as a "perfect storm." According to him, Eisenkot has almost overnight become the most serious challenger to Netanyahu, with a real chance of toppling him. Caspit noted that Eisenkot's advantage lies in his background—a native of Tiberias who grew up in Eilat, who was never counted—and that he "breaks stereotypes and crosses camps." The past year was overshadowed by the fall of his son Gal and two of his nephews in the war. Caspit assessed that the bereavement gave Eisenkot the final drive to take the reins and try to bring about change. He described Eisenkot as "anti-Bibi"—humble, cool-headed, experienced, thorough, and statesmanlike, in contrast to Netanyahu, whom he described as eloquent, with good English, and narcissistic. Caspit added that foreign leaders know Eisenkot will not lie to them, but noted that he does not have "thick skin" and takes criticism and lies hard.

Ben Caspit chose his Man of the Year: 'There's a kind of perfect storm here, he doesn't have Netanyahu's English'