Full Breakdown
Eisenkot’s Yashar! Party Gains Ground in Israeli Polls, Challenging Netanyahu’s Likud
6/20/2026, 12:07:47 PM
Surging Support for Yashar! in Recent Polls
A series of polls released between May and June 2026 show the Yashar! party, led by former IDF chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot, rising to a position that rivals Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud. Maariv reported that Yashar! tied with Likud at 21 projected Knesset seats, while the opposition bloc (excluding Arab parties) would hold a majority of 61 seats. A KAN poll later placed Yashar! at 21 seats, Likud at 23, and the joint “Together” list of Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid at 17 seats. An i24NEWS poll gave Likud 28 seats and Yashar! 18 seats, but still showed the opposition bloc ahead of the coalition (62 vs 58 seats). In head-to-head questions, respondents split evenly—45 % each—on whether Netanyahu or Eisenkot would be the better prime minister.
Political Context and Recent Developments
The polling surge follows two salient events. First, Israel’s “Operation Roaring Lion” against Iran generated mixed public assessments, with 42 % describing it as a “partial victory” and 29 % as a “total failure.” Second, a U.S.–Iran memorandum of understanding (MoU) announced in early June sparked widespread unease; 55 % of respondents opposed the deal, and 70 % remained fearful of an Iranian threat. These issues have amplified scrutiny of security-focused candidates such as Eisenkot.
Key Players
- Gadi Eisenkot – Former IDF chief of staff (2015-2018), founder of Yashar! in 2025 after leaving Benny Gantz’s National Unity party. He lost his son Gal in Gaza (2023) and two nephews in the 2023 war, shaping his “service for all” platform that seeks to end ultra-Orthodox military exemptions.
- Benjamin Netanyahu – Long-standing Likud leader and incumbent prime minister, whose coalition relies on ultra-Orthodox parties to preserve partial conscription exemptions.
- Naftali Bennett – Former prime minister and leader of the “Together” alliance with Yair Lapid; his support has declined sharply since the joint ticket’s launch in April 2025.
Polling Data and Public Opinion
- Seat projections: Yashar! 21 (seats in Maariv and KAN), 18 (seats in i24NEWS); Likud 21 (Maariv), 23 (KAN), 28 (i24NEWS).
- Opposition vs. coalition: Opposition bloc 61 seats (Maariv), 57 (seats, KAN), 62 (seats, i24NEWS); coalition 49-58 seats.
- Policy attitudes: 55 % oppose the U.S.–Iran MoU; 70 % fear Iran remains a threat; only 9 % support ultra-Orthodox conscription exemptions (Israel Democracy Institute).
- Leadership preference: 58 % of Israelis say the next prime minister should not be Netanyahu; 45 % each favor Netanyahu or Eisenkot as the most suitable leader.
Official Statements and Party Positions
Government spokespeople have emphasized the need to maintain security readiness while addressing public concern over the U.S.–Iran MoU. Yashar! officials highlighted the “service for all” agenda, arguing that equitable conscription is essential for national resilience. Likud representatives reiterated the coalition’s commitment to preserving the existing exemption framework for ultra-Orthodox yeshiva students, citing demographic considerations. Bennett, in a 103FM interview, affirmed his willingness to step aside for Eisenkot if required to form a government.
Criticism and Opposition
Eisenkot’s limited English proficiency has become a focal point of criticism; a Netanyahu aide circulated a video juxtaposing Eisenkot’s accented English with Netanyahu’s fluent speeches. Eisenkot retorted that “Where was Netanyahu’s excellent English on October 7?” and questioned the current state of U.S.–Israel relations. His dismissal of a Palestinian state—“I think a Palestinian state is not relevant after October 7”—has drawn rebuke from pro-two-state advocates. Additionally, opposition parties have warned that Yashar!’s rapid rise may lack the political experience needed for coalition negotiations.
Conflicting Poll Results
The three major surveys differ markedly in seat projections for both Yashar! and Likud, reflecting methodological variations and timing. Maariv and KAN place Yashar! at 21 seats, while i24NEWS reports 18 seats. Likud’s projected strength ranges from 21 to 28 seats. No poll provides a definitive forecast of coalition composition beyond broad bloc totals, leaving the exact path to a governing majority uncertain.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We need to be very measured, build it from the bottom up, and certainly not talk about a state and a prize after this murderous event,” — Gadi Eisenkot, interview on Channel 12.
- “Where was Netanyahu’s excellent English on October 7?” — Gadi Eisenkot, podcast response to viral video.
- “Where is his excellent English in strengthening the relationship between Israel and the United States, which this morning is at rock bottom?” — Gadi Eisenkot, same podcast.
- “I will do anything in the world to replace this very bad government. I will not let ego be a factor.” — Naftali Bennett, 103FM interview.
Outlook for the Upcoming Election
The next Knesset election, scheduled for the fall of 2026, will require any party or alliance to secure at least 61 seats. Analysts note that a merger between Yashar! and the Together list could yield 37 seats under Eisenkot’s leadership, potentially reshaping the opposition’s bargaining power. Coalition talks are expected to focus on the ultra-Orthodox exemption policy, the U.S.–Iran MoU, and security strategy following Operation Roaring Lion. Eisenkot’s performance in the final weeks of campaigning will likely determine whether his party can translate poll momentum into a governing coalition.
