Bennett and Lapid Clash with Gadi Eizenkot Amid Opposition Bloc Turmoil

Tensions are escalating within Israel's opposition bloc ahead of the 2026 elections, as Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid sharply criticize Gadi Eizenkot, while facing internal dissent and declining poll numbers. Bennett attacked Eizenkot's lack of government experience, asserting confidence in his own and Yesh Atid's capabilities, and expressed certainty about forming a government despite current challenges. However, Bennett's campaign has been widely criticized for lacking clear strategy and narrative, with political analysts warning he risks political collapse if trends continue.

Former minister Haim Ramon described Bennett and Lapid's attacks on Eizenkot as counterproductive, potentially benefiting Prime Minister Netanyahu by weakening the opposition's unity. Ramon urged opposition parties to commit to backing the largest party's leader as the prime ministerial candidate, a principle Eizenkot supports to avoid fragmentation and competing claims within the bloc.

Polls reveal a shifting landscape: Bennett and Lapid's joint party "Together" is losing support, while Eizenkot's "Yashar!" party is gaining, rising from 13 to 23 seats in recent surveys. Most lost votes from "Together" appear to be moving to Eizenkot's camp, although some have dispersed to other opposition parties. This shift has sparked quiet unrest within Yesh Atid, where members fear losing their Knesset seats if the trend persists, threatening the coalition's cohesion.

Eizenkot himself has expressed concern about securing his partners' acceptance of his leadership, emphasizing that smaller parties with fewer than nine seats should not claim the prime minister role. He advocates for a unified opposition front behind the largest party leader, mirroring the right-wing bloc's structure where Netanyahu leads without internal challenges. The opposition's internal struggle highlights the challenges of consolidating leadership and strategy in the run-up to the elections.

The next 90 days before the elections are critical, with Bennett needing to stabilize his campaign and clarify his message to avoid further erosion of support. Meanwhile, Eizenkot's rising popularity and insistence on leadership unity may reshape the opposition's dynamics and its chances against Netanyahu's Likud party.