Gadi Eisenkot

Eisenkot must beat Netanyahu at his own game, not repeat Gantz's mistakes - opinion

Netanyahu lost ground, but the opposition failed to win. Eisenkot must play hardball as details emerge of a missed merger with Bennett.

Illustrative image of Benjamin Netanyahu and Gadi Eisenkot
A road sign stands in front of a large billboard featuring Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (R) of the Likud party and former military chief and leader of the centrist Yashar party, Gadi Eisenkot, in Ramat Gan on October 20, 2026.

Netanyahu survives the election, but Eisenkot holds key to replacing him - analysis

Prime Minister and Likud party chairman Benjamin Netanyahu at the Likud party’s election headquarters at Binyanei HaUma (Jerusalem International Convention Center) in Jerusalem, following Israel’s general elections, early October 28, 2026.

Liberman rejects possibility of sitting with Arab parties, bloc leaders hold coalition talks

Gadi Eisenkot and Naftali Bennett meet to discuss the future of Israel's government, October 29, 2026.

Israel has the votes for change. Does it have the courage? - opinion


Herzog can secure his presidential legacy by bringing Netanyahu and Eisenkot together - opinion

Herzog has a chance to shape his presidential legacy by pushing Netanyahu and Eisenkot to put national interests ahead of political rivalries.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog casts his vote during general elections in Jerusalem on October 27, 2026.

Middle Israel: Netanyahu and Eisenkot both lost, but Israel may have emerged the winner

The opposition had every reason to win by a landslide, but Eisenkot offered no vision beyond replacing a failed government.

(L-R): Yashar head Gadi Eisenkot, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

Israel cannot afford another election - its leaders must compromise for unity - opinion

What matters is who can assemble 61 seats and turn them into a functioning coalition. Neither side can do that right now, but Netanyahu appears to be in the stronger position.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks at Likud headquarters following the release of exit polls.

My Word: Negative political thinking - opinion

Israel’s fragmented political landscape raises questions about coalition stability, voter trust, and whether politicians can put national interests ahead of personal rivalries.

Prime Minister and Likud party chairman Benjamin Netanyahu speaks to the media after casting his ballot in Israel’s general elections at a polling station in Jerusalem, October 27, 2026

Netanyahu meets Ben-Gvir, Smotrich as opposition leaders hold coalition talks

Netanyahu met Ben-Gvir and Smotrich as opposition leaders held separate talks. Eisenkot accused Likud of undermining the vote, while Lapid urged patience.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich attending the Knesset, February 7, 2024; illustrative.

Arab Israelis, Palestinians view path to coalition through political clout - analysis

With record representation in the Knesset, Arab voters see a chance to influence Israel’s government and improve their daily lives, but opposition leaders remain divided over accepting their support.

Arab Israelis cast their ballots at a polling station in Tayibe, central Israel, during Israel’s general elections, October 27, 2026.

Editor's Notes: Any unity deal must start with the leaders who are here, including Netanyahu

Many Likud voters chose Netanyahu personally, so any serious unity proposal has to start with him rather than wish him away.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, leader of the Likud party, reacts as he tours Mahane Yehuda market, ahead of Israel's national election, in Jerusalem, October 23, 2026

Liberman rejects possibility of sitting with Arab parties, bloc leaders hold coalition talks

Netanyahu meets Ben-Gvir, Smotrich as opposition leaders hold coalition talks • Shas's Deri rules out joining opposition bloc government without Likud as UTJ weighs talks

Prime Minister and Likud party chairman Benjamin Netanyahu at the Likud party’s election headquarters at Binyanei HaUma (Jerusalem International Convention Center) in Jerusalem, following Israel’s general elections, early October 28, 2026.

Protesters rally outside Eisenkot's home with calls to include Arab parties in coalition

Chanting "There is no change without partnership," protesters gathered outside Eisenkot's Herzliya home, urging cooperation with Arab parties after the opposition fell 13 seats short of a majority.

Israeli activists demonstrate outside the home of Yashar party chairman Gadi Eisenkot in Herzliya, calling on him to form an alternative government with the support of Arab parties, two days after Israel’s general elections, October 29, 2026

Broken promises or new elections? Netanyahu, Eisenkot face coalition dilemma

Eisenkot could command a 67-seat majority with the Arab parties, but three of his bloc’s four parties explicitly ruled that out.

Election campaign billboards featuring Yashar party chairman Gadi Eisenkot and Likud party chairman and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu alongside opposition leaders are displayed along a roadside in the northern Israeli city of Haifa, ahead of Israel’s upcoming general elections.