How Israel’s Opposition Could Unseat Netanyahu (or Not)

Gadi Eisenkot, a former military chief of staff, has emerged as a leading rival to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and has been given the opportunity to form Israel's governing coalition. This development is significant, as Netanyahu has been in power for over a decade, and his leadership has been marked by controversy and polarization. Eisenkot's rise presents a potential shift in Israeli politics, but it's unclear whether he can successfully form a coalition and unseat Netanyahu.

Eisenkot's chances of forming a coalition depend on his ability to navigate the complex landscape of Israeli politics. He will need to build relationships with various parties, including those on the right, left, and center, in order to secure a majority in the Knesset. There are three possible routes he could take: forming a coalition with right-wing parties, partnering with centrist and left-wing parties, or attempting to peel away support from Netanyahu's own Likud party. Each approach comes with its own set of challenges and risks.

What's next to watch is whether Eisenkot can build a stable and cohesive coalition that can withstand the test of time. If he succeeds, it could mark a significant shift in Israeli politics, potentially leading to a more centrist or left-leaning government. However, if he fails, Netanyahu may be able to reassert his dominance, or the country could be plunged into further instability and potentially even new elections. The coming days and weeks will be crucial in determining the course of Israeli politics, and whether Eisenkot can capitalize on his opportunity to unseat Netanyahu.

Originally reported by nytimes.com. BahaNews adds analysis for general news readers.