Gadi Eisenkot, a centrist and former military chief, has surpassed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in several opinion polls ahead of the Israeli general elections set for October 27, 2026. This development marks a significant shift in Israel’s political landscape, as it is the first election since the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack and subsequent conflicts. Eisenkot, leading the Yashar party, now stands as the main contender against Netanyahu, with certain polls indicating a lead in prime minister suitability metrics. While some surveys show Eisenkot ahead by a narrow margin, others suggest Netanyahu maintains a slight edge, underscoring a competitive and fragmented political environment.
Key Takeaways
- The rise of Gadi Eisenkot in opinion polls suggests a shift in public sentiment against Netanyahu.
- Market pricing indicates a decrease in the likelihood of Netanyahu remaining Prime Minister after the upcoming elections.
- Eisenkot’s position as a leading candidate highlights the competitive nature of the current political landscape in Israel.
What to Watch
Observers will focus on further opinion polls and public sentiment shifts as the October 27 elections approach. Developments such as coalition dynamics or changes in voter support could influence market perceptions. Outcomes in related markets, such as the dissolution of the Israeli parliament or Netanyahu’s political maneuvers, may also impact election forecasts.
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Disclosure: This article was edited by Estefano Gomez. For more information on how we create and review content, see our Editorial Policy.

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