Netanyahu faces power challenge as rival Eisenkot gains ground in Israeli election

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing a fresh challenge to his hold on power as former military chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot contests the premiership in an election held amid lingering tensions over the Israel-Hamas war.

The election, held on Tuesday, was the first since the war erupted on October 7, 2023, and has been described as one of the most consequential polls in Israel’s history.

Partial results released by the Central Elections Committee on Wednesday showed the pro-Netanyahu bloc leading with 54 seats, against 48 for the bloc led by Eisenkot.

However, neither side had secured the 61 seats required for a majority in the 120-member Knesset, leaving the outcome dependent on further results and potential coalition negotiations.

The committee said approximately 72.4 per cent of ballot boxes had been counted as of Wednesday morning.

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Arab parties, which had collectively secured 18 seats, could play a decisive role in determining which political bloc forms the next government.

Voter participation was also high, with the Central Elections Committee reporting a turnout of 77.7 per cent of eligible voters, the highest in a Knesset election since 1999.

Eisenkot, a former Israel Defense Forces chief of staff, joined the war cabinet established by Netanyahu following the October 7 attacks.

The conflict has also exacted a personal toll on the former military chief. His 25-year-old son, Gal, and a nephew were killed in Gaza in December 2023, while another nephew died there in November 2024.

In June 2024, Eisenkot left the war cabinet, accusing Netanyahu of failing to develop a clear strategy for ending the war.

His challenge to the prime minister comes as voters weigh the government’s handling of the conflict, national security and Israel’s political future.

Netanyahu has campaigned on what he describes as Israel’s strategic victories in conflicts across the Middle East, while highlighting his close relationship with United States President Donald Trump.

However, the prime minister is also standing trial on corruption charges, adding to the political pressures surrounding his leadership.

The election outcome could determine whether Netanyahu retains the parliamentary support needed to form another government or whether rival political forces can assemble a coalition capable of replacing him.

If neither bloc secures a workable majority, Israel could face prolonged coalition negotiations and political uncertainty.

In that scenario, Netanyahu could remain in office in a caretaker capacity while political parties attempt to reach an agreement on a new governing coalition.

The final distribution of seats and the willingness of smaller parties to support either side are expected to be crucial in determining the next phase of Israeli politics.