Israeli Elections 2026 | Who are the men seeking to replace Netanyahu?

Following the October 27 elections, Israel’s opposition bloc, led by Gadi Eisenkot, is challenging Benjamin Netanyahu. Exit polls indicate neither camp has secured a parliamentary majority.

But before describing this opposition as an alternative for peace, consider the historical statements, military doctrines, and political positions of its five leading figures.

1. GADI EISENKOT — The architect of the Dahiya Doctrine

Former Israeli military chief and leader of the Yashar party.

In 2008, Eisenkot outlined a military strategy involving disproportionate destruction of Lebanese villages from which attacks were launched against Israel.

He declared:

“We will apply disproportionate force on it and cause great damage and destruction there.”

He continues to reject an independent Palestinian state and supports maintaining Israeli security control over Palestinian territory.

2. NAFTALI BENNETT — The former prime minister

Leader of the Together alliance and a longtime supporter of settlements in the occupied West Bank.

In 2013, Israeli media reported Bennett making the notorious statement:

“I’ve killed lots of Arabs in my life – there’s no problem with that.”

His current political position, however, is unmistakable.

In June 2026, he reiterated that being right-wing means refusing territorial concessions and preventing the establishment of a Palestinian state.

3. YAIR LAPID — The centrist alternative?

Former prime minister, former opposition leader, and Bennett’s electoral partner.

Despite historically supporting a two-state solution in principle, Lapid declared in May 2026:

“There will be no two-state solution in the coming years.”

He argued that a Palestinian state would become another failed state posing a terrorist threat to Israel.

Lapid also ruled out forming the next government with Arab political parties.

4. AVIGDOR LIEBERMAN — The language of collective punishment

Former Israeli defence minister and leader of Yisrael Beiteinu.

During the 2015 election campaign, Lieberman suggested

that those opposing Israel should have their heads cut off with an axe.

He also singled out Arab citizens who commemorate the Nakba, saying they should leave Israel.

In November 2023, he made another disturbing declaration:

“There are no innocents in Gaza.”

Such rhetoric erases the distinction between armed combatants and millions of Palestinian civilians, including children.

5. YAIR GOLAN — The liberal face of the opposition

Former deputy Israeli military chief and leader of the Democrats.

Golan differs significantly from the other figures. He publicly condemned the killing of Palestinian children in Gaza in May 2025, and his party supports the possibility of a two-state solution.

However, in September 2026, his party joined other opposition factions in supporting an attempt to disqualify Palestinian Arab politician Sami Abu Shehadeh from parliamentary elections over allegations concerning his statements about October 7.

Abu Shehadeh denied supporting political violence and described the effort as an attempt to silence Arab political representation.

The Bigger Picture

The opposition is not politically identical to Netanyahu’s government. There are meaningful differences over settlement violence, democratic institutions, and the future of negotiations.

But four critical questions remain:

▪️ Who will recognize the Palestinians’ right to genuine self-determination?

▪️ Who will end the occupation and illegal settlement expansion?

▪️ Who will guarantee equal political rights for Palestinian citizens?

▪️ Who will ensure accountability for attacks on civilians?

Removing Netanyahu may change Israel’s government. It does not automatically change the policies imposed on Palestinians.

It is whether Palestinians finally receive freedom, equality, dignity, and justice.