Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made a point to check the popularity of former IDF chief of staff and current Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi, especially since Ashkenazi left the Israel Defense Forces in 2011. Netanyahu was worried that Ashkenazi would dive into politics and run against him for prime minister. After all, he was one of the most popular chiefs of staff in the country’s history.

Ashkenazi was courted by the center-left, desperate to find its next leader. Renowned for having rebuilt the IDF after the devastating Second Lebanon War, he was also a rugged man of the people who appealed to Israelis across the political spectrum. He was so popular that local mayors named streets and squares after him.

He also espoused an interesting political philosophy. His bold ideas stood in sharp contrast to Netanyahu’s refusal to negotiate with the Palestinians. For instance, in December 2012, the United Nations’ General Assembly made history by granting Palestine observer nation status. While Netanyahu condemned the UN decision, Ashkenazi described it as an opportunity.

“I believe we need a Jewish and democratic state for the Jewish people, and if we want to preserve that we must separate from the Palestinians," he said. "And if there is no partner, Israel must declare the borders of its Jewish home and operate accordingly.” His remarks were quoted extensively in the media amid assessments that Ashkenazi was using the opportunity to launch his political career. But Ashkenazi met with political leaders and decided to remain in the business sector.