Arab Media Views Netanyahu's Ouster as Possible, Eyes Gadi Eisenkot as Successor

As Israeli elections approach on October 27, Arab media outlets and commentators are closely observing the possibility of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu losing power. Recent articles in Arab news sites portray Netanyahu as fighting for political survival, with some expressing open hope for his replacement. Gadi Eisenkot is frequently identified as a leading alternative.

An Al Jazeera article by Amr El-Hennawy suggested that even the US administration hopes for a political change in Israel, citing tensions between Netanyahu and President Trump over Gaza and Lebanon. The article explicitly favored Eisenkot's victory, noting his rise in polls and the fragmentation of right-wing parties as threats to Netanyahu's ability to form the next government.

Another article in Al-Arabi Al-Jadeed, titled "Netanyahu, The Crisis of Israeli Politics," framed the election primarily as a struggle for Netanyahu's continued tenure. While acknowledging Israel's shift to the right and Eisenkot's similar policy stances, the author argued that the key issue is who will implement the policies. Eisenkot is presented as believing Netanyahu has "reached the end of his term" and is no longer capable of effectively executing necessary policies. The election is seen not as left versus right, but as a contest between different versions of the Israeli right.

Reports have also emerged of senior figures in several Arab countries initiating contact with individuals close to Eisenkot, preparing for a potential post-Netanyahu era. These contacts aim to establish communication channels with him as a likely successor. One article suggested Netanyahu seeks a "decisive victory" over Palestinians before the elections to bolster his image and escape his internal political crisis.

However, not all Arab commentators believe Eisenkot's potential replacement of Netanyahu would lead to significant changes in policy toward Palestinians. Some articles emphasize that Israeli society as a whole is moving rightward, and even Netanyahu's main rivals do not propose deep shifts in security or political strategy.