Yair Lapid Criticizes Gadi Eizenkot's Leadership in Opposition Bloc

Opposition leader Yair Lapid privately criticized what he called a "waste of votes" within the opposition bloc, specifically blaming Gadi Eizenkot, head of the Yashar party, for difficulties in managing the bloc's political strategy. Lapid stated, "I cannot fix things after Eizenkot. If he is to lead this bloc, that is his responsibility." This comment emerged amid efforts by Lapid and former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett's "Together" party to portray Eizenkot as a political novice struggling to unify the anti-Netanyahu camp.

According to a recent Kan News poll published on August 9, 2026, Eizenkot's Yashar party leads the bloc with 23 Knesset seats, while Bennett and Lapid's Together party holds 13 seats. In a hypothetical prime ministerial matchup, Eizenkot leads Bennett with 31% to 20%. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu maintains a lead over Bennett with 41% to 31%, consistent with previous polls. Netanyahu also widened his lead over Eizenkot from 4% to 7%, with 41% favoring Netanyahu compared to 34% for Eizenkot.

No official response was provided by Lapid's team regarding his remarks. The political dynamics highlight ongoing tensions within the opposition as they attempt to consolidate against Netanyahu's Likud party, which continues to strengthen its position in the polls.