Matan Kahana Predicts Gadi Eizenkot Will Unite Opposition to Oust Netanyahu

Matan Kahana outlined a strategy to unseat Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from within the political system by consolidating disillusioned voters and replacing the current government. Speaking on August 19, 2026, Kahana expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of party mergers within the opposition bloc, known as the Change Camp, stating that such alliances do not currently increase their overall strength. However, he predicted that when the decisive moment arrives, opposition parties will rally behind Gadi Eizenkot, a former military chief who resigned from the Knesset alongside Kahana about a year and a half ago.

Kahana emphasized that their goal is to win elections rather than merely form tactical alliances, but he remains hopeful that other parties in the bloc will unify behind Eizenkot’s leadership. He also highlighted the influence of approximately 4,000 ultra-Orthodox voters who do not support Likud and can sway election results by a small but crucial margin.

Eizenkot criticized the Likud party leadership for what he called "massive desertion during wartime" and accused them of failing to lead Israel to victory or national unity. He condemned the current Likud leadership as unfit to govern and appealed directly to disenchanted Likud voters, assuring them that they have a political home elsewhere. Kahana also dismissed the recent Likud primaries as far removed from the ideals of former leader Menachem Begin.

The comments come amid ongoing political tensions ahead of the 2026 elections, with opposition figures seeking to capitalize on dissatisfaction within Netanyahu’s base and the broader electorate to form a new government.