Gadi Eisenkot Emerges as Top Challenger to Netanyahu in New Polling

A new Channel 12 poll indicates that Gadi Eisenkot and his Yashar! party are currently leading Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party, with projections of 25 seats compared to 21. The poll suggests a weakening of the right wing bloc, which is projected to hold 49 seats against 59 for the Zionist opposition, while non Zionist Arab parties are expected to take 12 seats. The polling also highlights the rise of the newly formed religious nationalist People of Israel party led by Ofer Winter, which is projected to win six seats and potentially push the Religious Zionism party below the electoral threshold.

Despite his lead in the polls, Eisenkot has reinforced his opposition to a two state solution. In an interview with Israel Hayom, the former IDF chief stated that creating an independent Palestinian state would be a bitter mistake and called anyone considering such a solution after the October 7 attacks completely gal or delusional. However, Eisenkot has criticized the current government's construction tender in the E1 area of the West Bank, describing it as a mistake that comes at an international cost.

Reporting on these developments varied by political perspective. Center leaning coverage focused on the shifting parliamentary math and the potential instability within the right wing bloc. Center right coverage emphasized that Eisenkot shares Netanyahu's opposition to a two state solution. Left leaning coverage highlighted Eisenkot's specific criticism of the government's settlement plans in the West Bank.