The sharp rise of Gadi Eisenkot, leader of Israel\u2019s \u00abYashar\u00bb party, in opinion polls, and his emergence as Benjamin Netanyahu\u2019s main challenger in next October\u2019s elections, has fuelled growing debate over his Moroccan roots, as his family background becomes a factor in electoral calculations.<\/p>\n
Israeli media outlets<\/a> have cited Eisenkot\u2019s Moroccan heritage as one of the \u00abemotional\u00bb factors that could explain his growing support among voters. Knesset member David Bitan acknowledged that his background gives him an \u00abinteresting advantage\u00bb, while Israel\u2019s Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli referred to a \u00absociological advantage\u00bb, without elaborating.<\/p>\n The issue is particularly sensitive because of the historic ties between Mizrahi Jews, especially those of Moroccan origin, and Netanyahu\u2019s Likud party. Since Menachem Begin came to power in 1977, these communities have formed a key part of Likud\u2019s electoral base, and over the decades, Mizrahi identity has become closely associated with political loyalty to the party.<\/p>\n Eisenkot, however, disrupts that equation. He comes from a Moroccan family, grew up on Israel\u2019s periphery, rose to become the army\u2019s chief of staff and is now challenging Likud\u2019s leadership itself.<\/p>\n One of the central questions is whether some voters of Moroccan origin, long accustomed to supporting Likud, could shift their allegiance to Eisenkot as \u00abone of their own\u00bb.<\/p>\n Eisenkot edges ahead of Netanyahu<\/p>\n Within Netanyahu\u2019s camp, the debate has shifted from assessing the electoral impact of Eisenkot\u2019s Moroccan roots to questioning his very \u00abMoroccan-ness\u00bb<\/a>. Pro-Netanyahu right-wing commentator Yotam Zimri argued that if Eisenkot were truly \u00abone of the Moroccans\u00bb, he would never have become chief of staff.<\/p>\n Prominent right-wing journalist and broadcaster Yinon Magal demanded proof that Eisenkot represents Moroccan identity, while fellow right-wing journalist Noam Fathi asked: \u00abWhat does Eisenkot have to do with Moroccans?\u00bb<\/p>\n