New Delhi, July 2 -- A leading Israeli general who quit Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's war Cabinet after accusing him of lacking a strategy in Gaza has emerged as one of the premier's most serious challengers in elections scheduled for the fall.

His name is Gadi Eisenkot. On Tuesday in Israel, his centrist political party "Yashar!" or "Straight!" formally launched its election season campaign.

"This time it's on us," said Eisenkot at the launch event Tuesday. "Will we turn a blind eye to the disaster that has befallen us? Will we accept the continued division and rush to the next disaster? Or will we heal and rebuild?"

His rise from the highest ranks of the military could sharpen scrutiny of Netanyahu and his stewardship of Israel...