Full Breakdown
Political Landscape in Israel: Eisenkot's Rise Amidst Tensions
2/27/2026, 10:48:18 PM
Current Political Dynamics
Former Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot's political party, Yashar!, has gained significant traction, reaching 14 seats in the latest Maariv poll conducted by Lazar Research. This development occurs against a backdrop of escalating tensions with Iran and persistent political divisions within Israel. The overall political landscape remains relatively stable, with the opposition bloc holding 60 seats compared to 50 for the coalition government.
Poll Results and Party Performance
The poll indicates that the Likud party, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, would secure 26 seats, followed by Naftali Bennett's party, Bennett 2026, with 19 seats. Eisenkot's Yashar! has seen a notable increase, while Bennett's party has experienced a slight decline. Other parties, including the Democrats with 11 seats and Otzma Yehudit with 9, round out the projected results. Notably, a merger of Arab parties would elevate their representation to 14 seats but would not alter the overall balance of power between the blocs.
Joint List Scenarios
The poll explored potential outcomes if Eisenkot and Bennett were to run on a joint list. If Bennett were positioned at the top, the combined list would yield 32 seats, while Eisenkot leading would result in 33 seats. However, in both scenarios, the coalition's seat count remains unchanged at 50, and the opposition at 60, excluding the 10 seats held by Arab parties.
Public Sentiment on Political Actions
Public opinion regarding the opposition's recent boycott of a Knesset session, which was attended by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reveals that 53% of Israelis disapprove of the boycott, citing the absence of the Supreme Court president as insufficient justification. Conversely, 24% support the boycott, while 23% remain undecided.
Attitudes Toward Iran
The poll also assessed Israeli perspectives on security issues, particularly regarding Iran. A significant 59% of respondents believe that a U.S. decision not to strike Iran would be detrimental to Israel, advocating for a preemptive strike to neutralize Iran's military capabilities. In contrast, 23% view the U.S. decision as beneficial, arguing it would avert war and minimize potential damage, while 18% are uncertain.
Conclusion
The political landscape in Israel remains complex, with Eisenkot's rise reflecting shifting public sentiments amidst ongoing security concerns. As the opposition navigates its strategies, the implications of these dynamics on future elections and Israel's security posture towards Iran will be critical to observe.
