'A leader of this caliber emerges only once every century,' says a longtime Likud voter, as PM's base touts experience over rivals; 'God help us' if he doesn't win, another says

In response, Eisenkot says defense minister 'preparing the ground for the next disaster and shifting blame in advance'; Lapid calls statement a 'gift' to Israel's enemies

Eisenkot 'unequivocally pledges' not to serve in a Netanyahu-led government, even under rotation deal, as he and Liberman seek to increase voter turnout amid projections of deadlock