Gadi Eisenkot

Why Gadi Eisenkot is rejecting the haredi political embrace that once helped Netanyahu win

POLITICAL AFFAIRS: Yitzhak Yosef’s embrace – and Eisenkot's effort to distance himself from it – reflects Israel's shifting political landscape.

Amid reports that the Shas Party could be willing to sit with him in government, Yashar Party head Gadi Eisenkot did not rule out that option entirely. Here, Eisenkot attends the Sagi Laws for Equality Confrence at the Peres Center in Jaffa earlier this week.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi are seen in the Knesset plenum during a vote on the minister's communications reform, in Jerusalem, July 16, 2026

Netanyahu's coalition falls to 48 seats, opposition gets 62 seats after legislative blitz - poll

Shas chairman MK Arye Deri attends the State Comptroller elections at the plenum of the Knesset, in Jerusalem, June 3, 2026.

Shas leader Arye Deri accuses IDF chief of 'helping the Left' with ultra-Orthodox draft stance

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his wife Sara Netanyahu, and Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu attend a cornerstone-laying ceremony for the Atarot Heritage Center in northern Jerusalem, July 5, 2026.

Netanyahu races to pass key laws as Israel’s October 27 election campaign begins


'Black flag over democracy': Politicians slam haredi break in to Beit Shemesh police station

According to Democrats Party head Yair Golan, the riot was a "practical translation" of the contentious haredi draft law. 

Screengrab of video of ultra-Orthodox (haredi) riot outside of the Beit Shemesh police station, June 1, 2026.

'This is not a ceasefire': Bennett, Eisenkot blast government as Hezbollah fire intensifies

"Residents of the north endured yet another weekend of lawlessness. They deserve to live in security, just like in Tel Aviv," Bennett said, following a sharp increase in Hezbollah rocket fire.

Opposition Leader and Head of the Yesh Atid party Yair Lapid and former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett speak during a press conference announcing a joint list named “Together” ahead of upcoming elections, to be led by Bennett, in Herzliya, central Israel, April 26, 2026.

Bennett-Lapid's Together drops seats as Eisenkot makes gains, Likud becomes largest party - poll

Before Bennett and Lapid merged, their separate lists held 31 seats combined, making the current decline even steeper, a loss of 9 mandates compared to their previous numbers.

Israeli current opposition leader Yair Lapid (L) and former Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett stand together in Tel Aviv on May 12, as they hold their inaugural conference of their ‘Together – Under Bennett’s Leadership’ party for the upcoming national election.

Eisenkot says Israel must come up with ‘realistic plan’ to draft haredim to IDF

The remarks came after recent criticism over Eisenkot’s stance on drafting haredim to the IDF from opposition party leaders.

Yashar! Party leader Gadi Eisenkot speaks in Herzliya, April 26, 2026; illustrative.

Did Israel win the Iran war? The Jerusalem Dispatch hosts aren't so sure

Fishing nets against Hezbollah drones, a JCPOA rerun, and Netanyahu's election scramble. The Jerusalem Dispatch on whether Israel actually won the Iran war.

Smoke rises following an explosion in Tehran amid the war with Iran, March 7, 2026. Picture taken with a mobile phone.

Deadly Hezbollah drones could reach Jerusalem, Tel Aviv if gov't doesn't act, Liberman warns

According to Liberman, the government must “come to its senses” and make “real decisions” rather than continue what he described as an unclear military approach in the North.

An explosive drone launched by Hezbollah is seen near the Israeli border with Lebanon during a Hezbollah attack in northern Israel, May 19, 2026.

Gadi Eisenkot becomes Netanyahu’s strongest challenger - opinion

As Bennett gains ground, Eisenkot faces a defining decision over alliances, leadership, and the future of the opposition.

Gadi Eisenkot is seen speaking during a conference at Tel Aviv University, earlier this month.

'Traitor,' 'Enemy of Israel': Dozens protest outside IDF chief's home after soldier punishment

The protesters held signs reading “traitor, enemy of Israel,” played loud music, and waved Israeli flags. Dozens of activists took part in the protest.

IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir is seen at Yad Vashem during the Holocaust Remembrance Day ceremony on April 14, 2026.

Why polarization, not Iran or Hamas, will decide Israel's next election - analysis

As Israel heads toward another election, the country’s deepest divides may no longer be external enemies – but itself

Opposition leader Yair Lapid and former prime minister Naftali Bennett recently held an inaugural conference of their Together – Under Bennett’s Leadership party for the upcoming national election.
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Eisenkot says he would sit with haredim as Liberman talks loom

His comments come after reports of contacts regarding a possible merger between his party and Avigdor Liberman’s Yisrael Beytenu, who has repeatedly criticized 'draft-dodging.'

Yashar! Party leader Gadi Eisenkot speaks in Herzliya, April 26, 2026; illustrative.