Can Netanyahu survive this crisis? It's his biggest worry

Israel is entering the final stages of one of its most uncertain elections in recent history, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu facing a significant challenge to his long-standing political dominance.

“

His real problem is the math, can he gather at least 61 deputies in the Knesset after the elections.

The election on October 27 is shaping up to be more than just a vote for the next government; it's a referendum on Netanyahu himself. After years of navigating political crises, his primary concern is now coalition mathematics: securing at least 61 seats in the Knesset.

Recent polls indicate a precarious position for Netanyahu. The Maariv survey suggests Gadi Eisenkot's Yashar party could win 26 seats, surpassing Likud. A KAN poll also placed Yashar first with 24 seats, one ahead of Likud, with opposition blocs collectively holding 57 seats compared to Netanyahu's 52. Another poll showed the opposition leading 59 to 50, with Arab parties holding 11 seats.

“

Yashar is placed first in the polls, with 26 mandates, while Netanyahu's Likud is behind it.

Beyond seat numbers, public opinion is also shifting. A Channel 12 poll revealed that 59% of respondents believe someone other than Netanyahu should be prime minister, with only 33% supporting him. Eisenkot also leads Netanyahu in polls regarding integrity, trust, and prioritizing national interests over personal ones.

“

59 percent of respondents believe that someone else, not Netanyahu, should be prime minister, while 33 percent chose him as the most suitable.

Eisenkot, a former chief of staff, poses a unique threat by competing with Netanyahu on security, a traditional pillar of his authority. While other opposition figures like Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid are also in the running, Netanyahu's survival may depend on their inability to unite. The Israeli proportional representation system means coalition building, not just vote count, will determine the outcome. Despite the challenges, Netanyahu's experience and hardline security stance offer continuity, and Israeli campaigns are known for their volatility, with security events capable of shifting voter sentiment rapidly.

“

Gadi Eisenkot has become the biggest danger to Netanyahu.