TEL AVIV (Realist English). The Israeli political arena is entering a new phase of turbulence: less than two months before potential early elections, polls are recording a dramatic realignment of forces in the opposition camp.
The alliance of former prime ministers Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid is rapidly losing popularity, making way for a new favourite — former Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot. Meanwhile, Benny Gantz is trying to form his own coalition of centrist forces, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to observers, is using the opposition’s crisis to strengthen his position.
The Collapse of “Together”: From Hope to Disappointment in Two Months
Just two months ago, in May 2026, the announcement of a joint list by Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid under the name “Together” (Beyachad) had the effect of a bombshell. The alliance of two former premiers, representing right-wing and centrist camps, was supposed to become the main force capable of challenging Netanyahu. But optimism quickly faded.
According to polls conducted on June 24–25 by Channels 13 and Kan, as well as Maariv, the “Together” bloc continues its rapid decline:
- Channel 13 gives “Together” 15 seats.
- Kan projects 16 seats.
- Maariv records 18 seats.
Thus, since the merger announcement, the bloc has lost 10 seats — nearly half of its initial potential. According to Channel 14, Bennett’s decline continues: his suitability rating for prime minister has fallen to 10%.
Eisenkot’s Rise: “Yashar” Catches Up with “Likud”
The main beneficiary of the Bennett-Lapid collapse is Gadi Eisenkot and his party “Yashar.” The former Chief of Staff, whose son and nephew were killed in the Gaza war, has managed to convert personal tragedy into political capital that, according to analysts, cannot be fabricated.
The poll results are impressive:
- Maariv: “Yashar” receives 21 seats, tying with “Likud.” This is the first time in the current Knesset that an opposition party has caught up with the ruling party.
- Channel 13: 20 seats.
- Kan: 22 seats.
Since the Bennett-Lapid merger announcement, “Yashar” has gained 9 additional seats. In the suitability rating for prime minister, Eisenkot outpaces both Netanyahu and Bennett:
- Eisenkot vs Netanyahu: 43% vs 39% (Channel 13).
- Eisenkot vs Bennett: 42% vs 21% (Channel 13).
As the Jerusalem Post commentator notes, “Eisenkot is in no hurry. He weighs his words like a man who is unsure he can carry them, because he has paid in a currency that others do not have.”
Gantz’s Struggle for Survival: Alliance with Hendel and Simhi
Amid Eisenkot’s triumphant march and the Bennett-Lapid debacle, former Defence Minister Benny Gantz is trying to stay on the political stage. His party “Kachol Lavan” (Blue and White) does not pass the electoral threshold according to polls.
Gantz is negotiating an alliance with the “Reservists” party of former minister Yoaz Hendel and political newcomer, former fire and rescue service chief Dedi Simhi. According to a Kan poll, such a joint list would get 7 seats.
However, according to The Times of Israel, reports of an imminent alliance announcement are premature. Sources indicate that key issues remain unresolved, particularly the position on ultra-Orthodox parties.
The “Reservists” party is also considering other political options, aiming to become a “kingmaker” in a future coalition.
Critics accuse Gantz of “leaning toward Netanyahu” in search of political salvation. Gantz himself, however, insists on creating a “broad Zionist government” with both right and left-wing forces.
“Bibi must go home… He bears responsibility for what happened here, but that’s not enough,” Gantz said in an interview with Channel 12.
Balance of Power: A Stalemate
Despite dramatic changes in the opposition camp, the overall balance of power in the Knesset remains stalemated. According to polls:
- Netanyahu’s bloc: 53 seats (Channel 13).
- Zionist opposition: 57–60 seats.
- Arab parties: 10 seats.
Neither bloc can form a government on its own. A key role could be played by Arab parties, which the opposition (especially Bennett) refuses to include in a coalition, as well as possible “defectors” from Netanyahu’s camp — primarily among national-religious voters dissatisfied with the exemption of ultra-Orthodox from military service.
Eisenkot — Netanyahu’s Biggest Threat
It is precisely Eisenkot who, according to analysts, can turn the situation around. As the Jerusalem Post writes, “a solid majority is only possible by attracting a certain type of voter from Netanyahu’s own bloc.”
Eisenkot, a native of Eilat, son of Moroccan immigrants, a traditional Jew with relatives in settlements, is precisely the candidate who can take votes from the right-wing camp.
Notably, even the conservative Channel 14, which tries to portray Eisenkot as a “leftist,” according to commentators, only confirms that he is a real threat to Netanyahu.
Thus, Israel’s political system is entering a period of high uncertainty. The collapse of the Bennett-Lapid bloc, Eisenkot’s meteoric rise, and Gantz’s desperate attempts to find a new niche create an explosive mixture.
The coming weeks will show whether any of the opposition leaders can consolidate the anti-Netanyahu camp, or whether the prime minister, as has happened many times before, will succeed in using the disunity of his opponents to hold on to power.
