Sociologist Predicts Shift in Right-Wing Leadership Post-Netanyahu

Sociologist Professor Moshe Cohen Eliya suggests a significant shift in the leadership of Israel's right-wing political bloc is imminent, particularly in the post-Benjamin Netanyahu era. He notes that a majority of Israelis, 66% according to a July 2026 JPPI Institute poll, identify as right-wing, a figure that has increased since October 7th. Cohen Eliya argues that the traditional Ashkenazi secular leadership of the right, exemplified by figures from Menachem Begin to Netanyahu, is fading.

He identifies the current right-wing base as primarily comprising the Haredi (ultra-Orthodox), "Srugim" (religious Zionist, often Ashkenazi), and Mizrahi communities. Cohen Eliya posits that while Mizrahim constitute the largest ethnic group and lean heavily right (73% identify as right-wing compared to 49% of Ashkenazim), the Likud party's leadership has historically remained Ashkenazi. He points to the rise of religious Zionist leaders like Avi Maoz and Bezalel Smotrich, and the current efforts of figures like Yifat Shasha-Biton and potentially others to lead the right, but suggests their "DNA" remains rooted in the religious Zionist camp.

The sociologist proposes that a new right-wing party, led by Mizrahim and supporting Netanyahu, could attract disillusioned Likud voters and potentially secure around 70 Knesset seats for the right-wing bloc. He believes such a party, based on traditional-liberal principles aligning with Mizrahi preferences, could offer a strong alternative leadership for the post-Netanyahu era. The upcoming Tuesday, when candidate lists are finalized, may offer clues as to whether such a movement will materialize.