The ‘anyone but Netanyahu’ coalition is not ready to lead

As Israel approaches its October 27 election, the trauma of October 7 and ongoing threats from Iran loom large. Aspiring leaders like Gadi Eisenkot, Naftali Bennett, Yair Lapid, and Yair Golan appear focused on removing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, presenting it as a national vision.

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As if defeating one man would rebuild the Israel Defense Forces, restore deterrence, repair public trust, unite religious and secular citizens, and answer the question that should define this election: How will the Jewish state remain secure, democratic, and strong for the next 50 years?

However, this "anyone but Bibi" approach risks overshadowing fundamental questions about Israel's future security, democratic strength, and societal unity. Opposing Netanyahu may be understandable, but it is not a strategy for rebuilding the Israel Defense Forces, restoring deterrence, repairing public trust, or uniting religious and secular citizens. The "anyone but Bibi" slogan cannot organize Israel's future.

While many international observers expect the election to focus on Gaza, Iran, Lebanon, Washington, and the Palestinian question, Israeli voters are grappling with more immediate concerns. They are asking: Who will serve effectively? Who will investigate the failures of October 7? Can any coalition survive? Can leaders stop turning fellow citizens into enemies?

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Anger is not a strategy, and “anyone but Bibi” cannot organize Israel’s future.

Key issues like the demand for ultra-Orthodox military or civilian service now cross traditional political divides. Furthermore, the call for an independent state commission of inquiry into the October 7 attacks is not solely a left-wing cause. The investigation must examine the political, military, and intelligence failures that allowed Hamas to murder Israelis.

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People at polling station during the Likud party internal elections in Jeursalem, July 27, 2026.

Netanyahu has served as prime minister for nearly two decades. While he has achieved accomplishments and many Israelis still respect him, the author, an Ethiopian-Israeli American Jew and Modern Orthodox educator, argues that no individual should dominate Israeli politics indefinitely. A democratic Right, the author contends, insists on elections, accountability, lawful institutions, shared service, and national responsibility, principles that must guide Israel's future regardless of who leads.

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Israel has moved rightward on security, sovereignty, and the risks of territorial withdrawal, but that does not mean it must become less democratic.