Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel's longest-serving Prime Minister, faces a critical election that will determine his political future. His prospects for re-election may be bolstered by a divided opposition that could struggle to form a governing coalition, even if it secures a majority of votes.
Netanyahu's reliance on ultra-Orthodox voters, who are seen by some secular and centrist Israelis as contributing little to the national economy and eschewing military service, has fueled resentment. Concerns have also been raised about his health, with reports of him grappling with prostate cancer and heart disease at 76, leading some to question his fitness for office.
However, potential challenges to Netanyahu's leadership are emerging from within the opposition. Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and Knesset opposition leader Yair Lapid have seen their support wane in recent weeks, overshadowed by a new party led by Gadi Eisenkot. Eisenkot, a former Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff, has garnered credibility partly due to the loss of his son and nephew while fighting Hamas in Gaza.
A unified front among Bennett, Lapid, and Eisenkot could potentially form the next government. Both Bennett and Eisenkot, however, reportedly aspire to lead, creating a potential obstacle to a cohesive opposition bloc. This division among opposition leaders could inadvertently provide Netanyahu with an opportunity. If the opposition wins the election but fails to agree on a leader, Netanyahu might find a window to negotiate a deal, possibly with Blue & White party leader Benny Gantz, to remain in power.