Jerusalem: Israeli politician Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the Yashar Party, officially launched the party's election campaign on Tuesday and announced his candidacy for prime minister in the upcoming legislative elections. Eisenkot, who served as Israel's military chief of staff from 2015 to 2019, made the announcement during a speech Tuesday evening.

According to Anadolu Agency, Eisenkot declared that the current government's term would end in October, paving the way for what he described as a 'new and far better chapter in Israel's history.' He emphasized that the government he plans to lead would tackle significant national issues like security, mandatory military service, and public education with 'courageous decisions.'

Eisenkot also promised to establish a state commission of inquiry into the events surrounding the Oct. 7, 2023, attack, which led to a severe offensive in the Gaza Strip. He referred to this investigation as a 'primary duty' in response to what Israeli officials have termed the country's greatest intelligence and military failure.

The upcoming general election is set for Oct. 27, but there are reports from Israeli media about a possible agreement between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and ultra-Orthodox parties to advance the date to Oct. 20. A poll by the Israeli newspaper Maariv indicates that 34% of Israelis view Eisenkot as the most suitable candidate for the premiership.

Under Israel's political framework, while the official campaign begins after the dissolution of the Knesset and an election date is established, parties are allowed to engage in political and campaign activities beforehand.