Netanyahu Faces Challenge in Divided Israel
Source reports published 24 Oct 2026, 9:31 am – 25 Oct 2026, 8:00 pm AEST
Israel is preparing for a pivotal election marked by voter divisions and concerns over the country's leadership. Former IDF chief Gadi Eisenkot is challenging Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, fueled by dissatisfaction with Netanyahu's handling of recent conflicts and broken promises.
What happened
- Kiryat Shmona, a long-time stronghold for Netanyahu's Likud party, is experiencing a shift in voter sentiment due to the ongoing conflict with Hezbollah.
- Residents like Eti Ben Shabat express disillusionment with Netanyahu's promises regarding security in the north and his handling of the militant group.
- The town's evacuation three years prior due to rocket attacks has left it half-empty, and some residents believe Israel should have taken a tougher stance.
- Gadi Eisenkot, leading the Yashar party, is capitalizing on this discontent, presenting himself as an alternative to Netanyahu, emphasizing ‘straight’ and ‘direct’ leadership, and calling for an end to what he perceives as lies.
- Trump has endorsed Netanyahu, describing him as a ‘great warrior,’ while Eisenkot’s campaign focuses on addressing security concerns and advocating for term limits for the prime minister’s role.
- The election is seen as a referendum on Netanyahu’s legacy, including his management of multiple wars and ongoing corruption charges.
- Polling suggests Likud will likely be the second largest party, but securing a majority government remains a challenge.
Original reporting
- ABC: Years of conflict splits voters in former Netanyahu stronghold
2026-10-24T04:11:35+00:00 - Guardian: As a divided Israel prepares to go to the polls, can Netanyahu pull off his greatest political trick yet?
2026-10-24T00:00:00+00:00 - PBS NewsHour: Signs of fraying loyalty emerge in Netanyahu stronghold before Israeli election
2026-10-23T23:31:21+00:00 - New York Times World: Netanyahu Has Reinvented Himself. Will Voters Think It’s Enough?
2026-10-24T04:01:09+00:00 - Al Jazeera: Israel’s ‘Generation Right’ could shape Netanyahu’s future
2026-10-25T00:00:00+00:00 - Fox News World: Former IDF chief Gadi Eisenkot emerges as Netanyahu’s leading election challenger
2026-10-25T10:00:15+00:00