Middle Israel: Gadi Eisenkot is Person of the Year - this is why - opinion

Amotz Asa-El names Gadi Eisenkot as the Jerusalem Post's Person of the Year for 5786, arguing that the Yashar party leader has become the de facto leader of the opposition and a symbol of change during a politically paralyzed year in Israel. The column contrasts Eisenkot's humble character with Netanyahu's style, noting his personal sacrifice as a bereaved father and uncle.

In an opinion column for The Jerusalem Post, Amotz Asa-El names Gadi Eisenkot as the newspaper's Person of the Year for the Hebrew year 5786. The writer argues that Eisenkot, leader of the Yashar party, has become the de facto leader of the opposition during what he calls the most fateful political year in Israel's history. Asa-El contrasts Eisenkot's humble character and unassuming appearance with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's telegenic style and boastful rhetoric. The column notes that Eisenkot, as the father and uncle of three soldiers who fell in Gaza, has come to personify the sense of victimhood, defiance, and outrage that connected millions of Israelis. The writer acknowledges that Eisenkot has not presented a single bill, articulated an original idea, or said anything substantial about major domestic problems, but argues that he has become the harbinger, symbol, and potential engine of change. The column also explains why Netanyahu was not chosen, citing political paralysis and the failure to pass draft-dodging legislation.