In Israel, one of the clearest indications that an election is right around the corner is a top general announcing a plan to enter politics. It may be folk wisdom, but it is almost always true. Many among the country’s top brass, particularly chiefs of staff and their immediate subordinates, pursue political careers after their service. In a country with a long history of war and existential threats, a celebrated military career is the ideal gateway to politics.
That is why it came as no surprise that another former chief of staff, Lt. Gen. Gadi Eizenkot, announced last week that he was about to enter politics. Eizenkot may have been waiting on the sidelines for the right time and circumstances to throw his beret in the ring.