Israeli political rival Gadi Eisenkot has criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of the October 27 election, as polls show a tight race between their respective blocs.
Key facts
- •Gadi Eisenkot accused Benjamin Netanyahu of avoiding responsibility for events following the October 7 Hamas attack.
- •The Yashar party, founded by Eisenkot one year ago, is polling at 23 Knesset seats.
- •Netanyahu's Likud party is currently polling at 20 seats.
- •Israel's next election is scheduled for October 27.
- •Neither the anti-Netanyahu bloc nor the Likud coalition is currently projected to reach the 61-seat majority needed to govern.
Gadi Eisenkot, a former military commander and leader of the Yashar party, accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday of placing his political survival above national security. Speaking at a rally in Rosh Haayin, Eisenkot criticized the Prime Minister's leadership regarding the ongoing conflicts and the aftermath of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack.
By the numbers
Election Campaign and Polling
Eisenkot founded the Yashar party one year ago, and it has recently gained momentum in public opinion polls. A survey published Sunday by the public broadcaster Kan suggests that Yashar could secure 23 seats in the 120-seat Knesset, placing it ahead of Netanyahu’s Likud party, which is polling at 20 seats.
Parliamentary Outlook
Current projections indicate that neither the anti-Netanyahu bloc nor the coalition led by Likud holds a clear path to the 61-seat majority required to govern. The anti-Netanyahu bloc is projected to win 51 seats, while the Likud-led coalition is polling at 52. Forming a government may depend on securing support from unaligned parties, including two Arab-majority lists that hold a combined 13 seats.
Timeline
- October 7, 2023A Hamas attack occurred, triggering significant internal divisions within Israel.
- SundayA poll by Kan was published showing the projected seat distribution for the Knesset.
- MondayGadi Eisenkot held a rally in Rosh Haayin to unveil his party's candidates.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Daily Sabah.
