Israel: United opposition wants to bring down Netanyahu

Israel’s right and left have been in a head-to-head political race for decades – the “eternal stalemate”. Coalitions govern with shaky majorities: there were five ballots between 2019 and 2022 alone. Between June 2021 and the end of 2022, it was Bennett and Lapid who led their “government of change” in rotation. This time too they hope to be able to convince right-wing swing voters. Fewer than five mandates may be sufficient.

Netanyahu, on the other hand, is hoping for returnees, for those who have already switched deadlocked fronts. A goal that the new bloc wants to make more difficult. It’s not just the quantity that matters. The clear leadership role of former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, which he is given in the new bloc, should also convince the right. Like in 2019, Jair Lapid is waiving his claim this time – this time without rotation. As head of the largest opposition party Jesch Atid (Future) would actually be his privilege.

“Israel’s most eligible bachelor”

Three decades ago, Lapid was still “Israel’s most eligible bachelor” as an actor and TV presenter. Nobody can accuse him of having a shrunken ego. But in key moments he proves that state interests are more important to him. Quite the opposite of the ruling prime minister. But he is in no way inferior to him in terms of eloquence and bold appearance.

Bennett isn’t even a member of parliament at the moment, and his newly founded “New Right” party is anything but a sure-fire success in the polls. But as a prime ministerial candidate, he convinces right-wing voters more than Lapid. In joining forces with Lapid’s Future Party, he can rely on party infrastructure that is important in the election campaign. Even more: also on extensive party finances.

Third opposition candidate

A merger was obvious – and yet it came as a surprise. There is a third opposition candidate who is currently unaffiliated: Gadi Eisenkot. The ex-army chief, who is clearly leading in popularity surveys, wanted to wait until shortly before the elections. Their statutory deadline would be October 27th. An advance postponement is possible. Only then did Eisenkot want to join a party.

Any party would have welcomed him with open arms. He is revered as a war hero. With his North African roots and as the father of a fallen son, he has everyone’s sympathy. In his career so far, he has shown himself to have integrity and trustworthiness. There is no doubt that he appeals to the broadest potential voters.

He definitely saw himself as a candidate for prime minister. An objective that has little prospect in the new bloc. Likewise, a solo appearance in front of the ballot box could convince more voters. At least the media agrees that Eisenkot has no choice. He must join the new bloc.

Recruitment law frowned upon

In his political program, Netanyahu’s replacement becomes Israel’s redemption. Above all by preventing the frowned upon new one Recruitment Act. With this, Netanyahu’s government wants to exempt thousands of ultra-Orthodox scribes from military service – which is also rejected by Netanyahu voters. There is also the clear demand for a state committee of inquiry into the government’s failure before the Hamas massacre on October 7, 2023. This is also supported by most Israelis. Like preventing Netanyahu’s planned judicial reform. It is intended to drastically restrict the independence of the judiciary and authorities.

In terms of foreign policy, the opposition wants to advance Israel’s interests again. Netanyahu maintained excellent contacts with heads of state who were often controversial in their own country. He neglected relationships with other parties. Many Israelis already fear relations with the USA after Trump’s departure in two years. The feeling of solidarity with Netanyahu’s Israel has weakened greatly among Republicans and Democrats alike. Even before the new bloc was founded, many in Israel were increasingly hoping for a “Hungary effect”: end the ultra-right with the right.