Eisenkot's Political Gamble and Suspicions Around Lapid's Deal with Bennett

Gadi Eisenkot, a former IDF Chief of Staff, is reportedly aiming to widen the gap between his party and the Likud, but former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and Yisrael Beiteinu leader Avigdor Lieberman are warning against internal competition for votes within the "change bloc." Eisenkot, who announced his departure from Benny Gantz's National Unity party on July 1, 2025, has been building his own political movement. He previously proposed a merger of the bloc's parties, suggesting leadership would be decided later. Bennett, however, rejected this and instead joined forces with Yair Lapid, a move Eisenkot reportedly felt was a result of Lapid pressuring Bennett, with Lapid allegedly leveraging a potential offer from Eisenkot himself. Lapid's associates deny this. This union, according to the article, significantly impacted Eisenkot's political standing, with one advisor suggesting it would make Eisenkot the next Prime Minister. Bennett's political career has been characterized by initial success followed by decline, but his recent campaign efforts are credited with reversing a downward trend in polls, though Eisenkot still leads in surveys.

The differing strategies for the upcoming election are causing friction. Eisenkot's camp believes a decisive victory over the Likud is crucial to delegitimize Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and prevent him from clinging to power through unconventional means. Conversely, Bennett and Lieberman argue that campaigns focused on becoming the largest party have historically failed for the bloc. They advocate for each party to mobilize its own supporters and focus on undecided voters, suggesting that a close election narrative benefits Netanyahu. Columnist Ben Caspit reflects on past proposals for Eisenkot to join Bennett, noting that Lapid's alliance with Bennett has altered the political landscape.

Caspit urges all leaders of the "change/correction bloc" to set aside personal ambitions and aspirations for leadership until after the election. The goal, he stresses, is to ensure the bloc significantly outperforms Netanyahu's "evasion bloc." After the election, they should unite behind a single candidate. The article notes increased activity on the ground, with Eisenkot filling large venues in Likud strongholds and Bennett actively campaigning. Lieberman is targeting softer religious Zionists and secular Israelis, while Yair Golan is focusing on the remaining left-wing voters and the Arab street. The piece also expresses hope that Police Commissioner Dani Levy will ensure public order and the integrity of the elections, given the current political climate.