Netanyahu Faces Eisenkot in High-Stakes October 28 Israeli Election

Candidates debate Iran and security doctrine

Benjamin Netanyahu, Gadi Eisenkot, and former prime minister Naftali Bennett all support removing Hamas from power and confronting Iran. However, they disagree on the goals of military force, the duration of troop deployments, and potential future agreements.

Netanyahu has stated he is committed to "finishing the job" by toppling the Iranian terrorist regime. Eisenkot argues that regime change must be driven by the Iranian people rather than military imposition. Eisenkot’s priorities regarding Iran include eliminating the country's potential for nuclear weapons and cutting support for Hezbollah.

Military analyst Yaakov Lappin notes that military objectives dictate resource distribution, such as whether the Mossad or the air force must reserve assets to target the Iranian regime. Over the last three years, the Israeli military has established a fresh doctrine centered on addressing threats prior to their escalation into attacks. The military will push the next government to maintain this policy.

Netanyahu and Eisenkot trade barbs over war objectives

Benjamin Netanyahu shared an AI-generated image depicting a nuclear explosion above Tel Aviv on October 26, 2026. He warned that a leader unable to confront Iran could cause a "second Holocaust".

After failing to achieve war objectives, the prime minister was criticized by Gadi Eisenkot for threatening voters with mass destruction, with Eisenkot describing him as "hysterical".

Former prime minister Naftali Bennett stated: "The October 7 government destroyed, and the October 27 government will repair".

Proposed strategies for Gaza and West Bank stability

Eisenkot pledged that Hamas will no longer govern the Gaza Strip within 18 months of his taking office. He has not specified whether he would use military force or the Trump framework to achieve this goal.

Bennett suggests that a yellow line be kept between areas controlled by Israel and Hamas until the latter group disarms. He seeks a central role for Egypt in Gaza, though Cairo has not yet agreed to this arrangement.

Lappin expects military operations to continue under any new government because all candidates face the same challenges regarding Hamas and finding new leadership for Gaza.

Golan, the leader of the Democrats, proposes a diplomatic program that includes a long-term nuclear agreement with Iran. He also suggests replacing Hamas with a Palestinian technocratic administration and halting West Bank annexation.

A new government might act more forcefully against violent settler attacks on Palestinians. However, Eisenkot and Bennett remain hesitant to engage in a broad confrontation with the settler community.

Regional normalization and the impact of leadership change

Netanyahu’s departure could provide political space for Arab and European leaders to pursue regional cooperation and negotiate the future of Gaza. He is currently viewed as the face of the war.

The Jerusalem Post reported on October 22, 2026, that Israel has provided intelligence to Saudi Arabia via US mediation to help counter the Houthis.

Saudi Arabia’s requirement for Palestinian statehood remains a significant barrier to formal normalization with Israel, even if Netanyahu leaves office.

Security challenges persist regardless of election outcome

Israel remains a nation at war regardless of whether Netanyahu continues to hold office, according to i24NEWS. Netanyahu is seeking to leverage recent security gains to secure a political victory in the upcoming election, The Times of India reported on October 25, 2026.

Opposition leaders would maintain a similarly hard line on security issues. A different leadership might alter how far Israel fights, its definition of victory, and its ability to convert military gains into agreements.