Since the founding of the Jewish state in the middle of the last century, the transition of power between political rivals has proceeded smoothly and systematically, governed by strict adherence to the laws regulating it, without those defeated in elections daring to question the results.
However, things changed during the Netanyahu era, as Israel witnessed, for the first time in its history, a prime minister who dared to alter the state by modifying the functions of its primary institutions and replacing figures presumed to be pillars of the system whenever it became clear that they opposed his absolute control over decision-making.
During his prolonged tenure, the state came close to being entirely retrofitted to serve his governing interests and the requirements of his political survival at the absolute center of power.
Due to the political class's inability to produce a leader whose capabilities exceed or even rival those of Netanyahu, the public took charge of the desired change. This manifested when Netanyahu initiated what he termed a "judicial reform revolution," which Israelis discovered to be a radical coup dictated by his personal interests. Under existing laws and traditions, the judiciary would inevitably send him home or to prison as a result of the massive, proven corruption cases against him, from which he has no escape.
At the time, the streets of major cities filled with demonstrators, and the popular protest spread to the military and the air force. The administration of then-US President Joe Biden sided with the protesters and barred Netanyahu from the White House. The popular protests escalated to the point of blocking his route to the airport, forcing him to use a military helicopter to transport him from his residence.
The political mystique of the wizard Netanyahu wavered on the brink of collapse, until the October 7, 2023 operation descended upon him as a geopolitical lifeline. Instead of being ousted by the popular uprising against him, he consolidated his influence by cementing his role as the leader of a war he framed as “existential”. Consequently, the leader who was once barred from the White House became a focal point of high-level visits by the upper echelons of the US administration, led by President Biden.
A profound shift occurred in the wake of the October 7, 2023 earthquake. Most of the reservations about him were lifted or deferred, the streets emptied of protesters against him, and he cast himself as Israel's savior from an existential threat that left no room for the luxury of contemplating his replacement, or even opposing him.
Since that earthquake, favorable domestic conditions emerged for Netanyahu to rule unilaterally, backed by a parliamentary coalition that views him as the strongest guarantor of its partners' interests. He relied on a parliamentary majority that could not be bypassed except through a different majority, which the latest elections successfully produced. However, this came with a crippling complication: the majority was secured by Arab lists, whose role in forming Israeli governments is traditionally viewed with reservation, except under compelling exceptions that have occurred only a few times.
The Eisenkot phenomenon emerged directly from the fallout of the Netanyahu era, driven by the pressing need to stem the military, financial, and political hemorrhaging that the state has endured without any viable exit strategies. The political newcomer's ascent was propelled by several key factors: first, his audacity in directly challenging the Netanyahu phenomenon to the point of explicitly pledging to oust him - a sharp contrast to his former ally Benny Gantz, who conceded power to Netanyahu under the banner of partnership.
Second, his personal and professional record remains entirely untarnished by the controversies that saturate Netanyahu’s tenure. Third, a significant segment of Israeli voters harbors a deep nostalgia for a successful and well-reputed general at the helm of government, alongside the notable impact of him potentially becoming the first prime minister of eastern origin.
However, since drawing a sharp contrast between himself and Netanyahu, Eisenkot has been thrust into a fierce, premature battle with broad and influential Zionist sectors. Throughout the government-formation consultations, these factions have made it clear that they view Netanyahu as Israel’s most qualified supreme leader. They contend that he secured the "Zionist majority," which they elevate above the technical majority achieved through Arab votes.
Netanyahu regards this ideological backing as his most valuable asset in his existential struggle against Eisenkot and his allies. This has driven him to aggressively push for the creation of a purely Zionist government - an objective he will continuously pursue. To achieve this, his only remaining strategy is to deploy his maximum capacity for political sabotage and obstruction at every turn.
Since his ascent, Eisenkot has successfully navigated the hurdles placed in his path. First among these were the challenges from figures within his own coalition who openly contested his leadership. Second was Netanyahu’s exploitation of his ideological "Zionist superiority." Eisenkot also succeeded in securing the backing of the decisive Arab bloc, which granted him a distinct advantage during the president's consultations.
However, the obstacles he has overcome appear less formidable than those he must navigate during the government-formation process and the implementation of the structural changes he promised during his campaign. Should his government successfully take shape with Netanyahu relegated to the opposition, the ousted leader will undoubtedly deploy new, potent barriers against his rival. Herein lies the definitive test of Eisenkot's ability to fulfill the promise of change that propelled his victory.
For this change to be tangible and globally accepted, it must manifest through a new policy toward the Palestinians and their cause. This alone will determine the credibility of the prime minister who unseated Netanyahu, and whether he merits the world's welcome and its cooperation.
