Arab Media Discusses Netanyahu's Potential Ouster, Eyes Eisenkot as Successor

Arab media outlets are actively discussing the possibility of a leadership change in Israel, with some anticipating a post-Benjamin Netanyahu political era. With less than two months until the Knesset elections, the political contest in Israel is drawing significant attention from Arab news sources. Recent publications often portray Prime Minister Netanyahu as fighting for his political survival, while Gadi Eisenkot is frequently identified as a leading potential successor.

Al Jazeera's coverage of the Israeli elections has been particularly noteworthy, according to Channel 14. One analytical piece suggested that a change in Israeli leadership could align with the interests of the Trump administration, citing disagreements between President Trump and Netanyahu on policies concerning Gaza and Lebanon. The article presented Eisenkot as a preferred alternative, highlighting his standing in polls and internal political divisions within the right-wing bloc.

Similar themes appear in "Al-Araby Al-Jadeed," which frames the upcoming elections primarily as Netanyahu's struggle for political survival and names Eisenkot as a serious contender for power. Arab observers acknowledge a key characteristic of the current campaign: it may not represent a traditional left-right ideological battle. They note a shift in Israeli society towards the right, implying that a change in prime minister might not necessarily lead to a radical shift in Israel's security policies.

Reports have emerged suggesting that some Arab states are preparing for a post-Netanyahu period. Channel 14, citing Arab media, indicates that high-ranking officials from several countries have initiated contact with individuals close to Eisenkot. These contacts are seen as an effort to establish communication channels in anticipation of Eisenkot potentially forming a government after the elections.

Concurrently, the Arab press links Netanyahu's security-related actions to his election campaign, with some suggesting he aims to showcase military achievements to voters to aid his re-election bid. However, there is no consensus on the implications of a potential Netanyahu defeat. Even proponents of a leadership change concede that Eisenkot's ascent might not result in a significant alteration of Israel's policies toward the Palestinians or on national security matters.