Gadi Eizenkot Defies Netanyahu's Campaign, Gains Momentum in Israeli Opposition

In the lead-up to Israel's upcoming elections, former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eizenkot, leader of the Yisra party, has been gaining traction in the polls despite an aggressive campaign by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his Likud party. Likud's campaign, which has run for weeks under the slogan "No Government Without Arabs," aims to discredit Eizenkot by alleging he plans to cooperate with Mansour Abbas, head of the Ra'am party, to form a government that would replace Netanyahu. This strategy seeks to exploit fears among voters about alliances with Arab parties.

However, the campaign has not succeeded in weakening Eizenkot's support. Polls show that many opposition voters are not deterred by the prospect of cooperation with Mansour Abbas. In fact, 44% of opposition voters expressed willingness to support a government backed by an Arab party if the opposition bloc fails to secure a majority. Furthermore, about 70% of Netanyahu opponents would prefer a government including Ra'am and Abbas if a 61-seat coalition is unattainable.

Unlike previous opposition leaders Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid, who struggled with the issue of Arab party cooperation and often gave contradictory messages, Eizenkot has been clear and unapologetic. In a notable interview with Channel 13, he refused to rule out working with Mansour Abbas, criticizing Netanyahu's "divide and conquer" approach that alienates 21% of Israeli citizens who are Arab. Eizenkot's campaign has also responded with videos highlighting Likud leaders courting Abbas in the past.

Sources close to Eizenkot say he is undeterred by Likud's attacks and intends to form a government without minority parties initially but will use all political means to defeat Netanyahu if necessary. His straightforward stance resonates with center-left voters who seek a leader willing to include Arab citizens in decision-making without fear or hesitation.

This dynamic marks a significant shift in Israeli politics, with Eizenkot strengthening his position against Netanyahu and outperforming previous challengers by embracing a more inclusive approach toward Arab parties and voters.