Eisenkot Leans on US Ties and Security Doctrine to Challenge Netanyahu in Israel’s Pivotal Election

Key points

• Eisenkot’s Yashar party leads polls with 21-23 projected seats, aiming to replace Netanyahu.
• Eisenkot emphasizes US-Israel strategic bonds, praising Trump’s Iran strikes and hostage deal.
• Yashar opposes Palestinian statehood but supports incremental Gaza reconstruction and disarmament.
• The party proposes ending ultra-Orthodox draft exemptions, allowing only a 3% Torah-study exception.
• Coalition prospects include Bennett, Liberman, and Golan, but 61-seat majority remains uncertain.

Background

Israel’s October 27 election follows three years of war and declining US public support for Israel, which fell to 37% in a 2024 Pew poll. Eisenkot, who lost his son and two nephews in the Gaza war, entered politics in 2022 and founded Yashar in September 2025 after leaving the National Unity alliance. The election is seen as a test of Israel’s democratic and security direction, with expatriate turnout and Arab voter participation potentially decisive.

How outlets are covering it

The New York Post highlights Eisenkot’s personal losses and his appeal to US strategic interests, noting his praise for Trump’s Iran campaign and hostage deal. The Jerusalem Post focuses on Yashar’s policy platform, including security zones in Lebanon, opposition to Palestinian statehood, and economic reforms targeting the working class. Both sources agree Eisenkot leads polls but note coalition uncertainty; the Post emphasizes US relations, while the Jerusalem Post details domestic policy and coalition math.

Why it matters

The election determines whether Israel shifts from Netanyahu’s hawkish, coalition-dependent approach to Eisenkot’s security-focused, US-aligned strategy. A Yashar-led government could reshape US-Israel relations, accelerate Gaza reconstruction, and address ultra-Orthodox conscription, a key domestic flashpoint. However, neither bloc is guaranteed a 61-seat majority, risking political deadlock or reliance on controversial partners.

What to watch

Voters cast ballots on October 27. If Eisenkot’s bloc fails to secure 61 seats, coalition negotiations with haredi or Arab parties may become necessary, testing his red lines. Netanyahu’s fate depends on retaining far-right and haredi support amid rising domestic and international pressure. The outcome will shape Israel’s post-war strategy and US engagement in the Middle East.