Israeli media report: Eisenkot crowned as opposition leader as Bennett's poll slide accelerates

The Israeli political landscape is undergoing a significant realignment, according to reports across the country's major Friday newspapers. Gadi Eisenkot, the former IDF Chief of Staff and current MK, has emerged as the clear frontrunner to lead the opposition bloc, while former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett faces a sustained collapse in public support.

The Polling Shift

According to reporting by Ma'ariv, Bennett's party has lost 10 Knesset seats in just two months. This downward trend appears to be accelerating, with the newspaper's front page highlighting the "crash" of Bennett's standing. Simultaneously, Yedioth Ahronoth has officially "crowned" Eisenkot as the opposition's candidate for the premiership, reflecting a consensus shift among political analysts and pollsters.

Widening Gaps

Israel Hayom further noted that Eisenkot is widening the gap between himself and Bennett. This follows a series of recent surveys, including those from Kan 11 and N12, which previously showed Eisenkot surging past Bennett for the first time. The current media environment suggests that the initial momentum Bennett enjoyed upon his return to the political discourse has been eclipsed by Eisenkot's steady rise.

Political Context

This shift comes amid a complex security and social environment in Israel. While Bennett has recently been vocal in his opposition to the "Torah Study Basic Law"—which he labeled "evasion on steroids"—his sharp rhetoric has not translated into sustained polling strength. In contrast, Eisenkot's positioning as a security-first leader appears to be resonating more effectively with the opposition's voter base as the nation navigates multi-front challenges.