The anti-Netanyahu: Can Gadi Eisenkot give the world a different Israel? | Israel Election 2026 News
Israeli President Isaac Herzog has appointed Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the Yashar party, to form a government following elections that failed to produce a majority alliance in the Knesset. Eisenkot, a former chief of staff of the Israel Defense Forces, has a 28-day period to establish a government, with the possibility of a 14-day extension. If his efforts are unsuccessful, Herzog will invite another candidate, likely Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, to attempt the same. Should that also fail, Israel would face new elections.
Eisenkot faces considerable challenges in creating a majority coalition, particularly as he has fewer options than Netanyahu, who has historically relied on right-wing allies to advance his agenda. He may need to secure the support of at least one of the two ultra-Orthodox parties, usually aligned with Netanyahu. Additionally, gaining backing from some right-wing members of the opposition could be crucial for attracting support from Arab parties, which are typically outside government coalitions.
The extent to which Eisenkot can navigate these political complexities remains uncertain. Observers note that he seems less adept at the political maneuvering often associated with Netanyahu.
Eisenkot emerged as the head of the opposition coalition shortly before the October 27 elections. Initial messages from his coalition have been marked by confusion and a lack of cohesive leadership. While the ultra-Orthodox United Torah Judaism Party broke its traditional support for Shas by declining to endorse Netanyahu, any potential backing may hinge on preserving exemptions from military service for young ultra-Orthodox men.
Similarly, Arab parties may offer support contingent on addressing significant issues in Palestinian communities, such as a rising tide of violent crime and escalating violence from settler groups in the West Bank, which some claim has been tacitly encouraged by Netanyahu’s far-right allies.
Aida Touma-Sliman, a member of the Knesset from the left-wing Hadash party, suggested that recent developments indicate Eisenkot is less inclined to depend on Arab voters, favoring negotiations with ultra-Orthodox parties over seeking Arab support.
Eisenkot’s future government will also need to address Israel’s declining reputation in the United States, exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in Gaza and tensions surrounding Iran. Recent actions by former U.S. President Donald Trump, including a potential end to the $3.8 billion annual military aid package to Israel, signal a shift in America’s stance, further complicating Eisenkot’s position.
Analysts like Aaron David Miller from the Carnegie Endowment have noted that Eisenkot will need to manage perceptions in the U.S. carefully, especially given the stark contrast in views regarding Israel’s actions in recent conflicts. Eisenkot, who tends to avoid public speaking, particularly in English, faces a challenging landscape as he seeks to restore trust with American audiences.
While Eisenkot enjoys considerable support from Israelis disillusioned with Netanyahu’s leadership, he brings with him a complex history. Born to parents from Morocco, he has a background that diverges from the elite profile of Netanyahu. Eisenkot’s military career, including his role during significant conflicts, has shaped a public image marked by personal tragedy, including the deaths of family members in recent military engagements.
Despite his current popularity, Eisenkot’s military past raises questions about how his leadership might affect relations with Palestinians. As the architect of strategies advocating for the use of force in areas of conflict, the implications of his potential premiership for the Israeli-Palestinian dynamic remain uncertain. His prior tenure as chief of staff saw significant military operations in Gaza and the West Bank, which have drawn scrutiny and accusations of human rights violations from various international bodies.
As a rapidly evolving political situation unfolds, Eisenkot’s ability to forge a government that addresses both internal and external pressures will be pivotal for the future of Israeli governance.
