According to The New York Times, Israeli opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot needs to form a government by joining forces with either Arab parties or members of Benjamin Netanyahu's alliance, a choice the newspaper described as a dilemma. The Times report, written by Adam Rasgon, notes that Arab parties are anathema to many Israelis, which makes that route especially difficult.

The Times presents Eisenkot as Netanyahu's main rival in the election. The Hill, in a separate report by Mira Bhakta, describes him as Netanyahu's primary opponent in an election cycle in which, according to that report, Israelis are growing displeased with current leadership.

The Hill reported that Eisenkot worked in the Israeli military for 41 years before eventually serving as the country's military chief. According to the same report, he has criticized Netanyahu over security failures and has called the prime minister an anti-leader.

Taken together, the two reports place Eisenkot at the center of the contest. The Times summary emphasizes that his path to a government runs through options the newspaper described as difficult, and it frames the choice as the central problem he faces after the vote.

Neither The Times nor The Hill summary provides vote totals, a timetable for coalition talks, or a response from Eisenkot or Netanyahu. Both reports were published on October 28, 2026, with The Times report appearing earlier that day.

Sources: The New York Times: Eisenkot, Netanyahu’s Main Rival in Israel’s Election, Faces a Dilemma; The Hill: Who is Gadi Eisenkot, Netanyahu’s opponent?.