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The Trump administration has quietly initiated backchannel communications with key Israeli opposition figures Naftali Bennett and Gadi Eisenkot, according to Israeli Channel 12, in a move widely interpreted as hedging against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as the country prepares for elections by October 2026.
The reported contacts come amid growing speculation that Netanyahu’s long-dominant political position could face serious challenges in the next national vote. Bennett, a former prime minister, and Eisenkot, a former Israel Defense Forces chief of staff, are viewed as leading contenders to replace him.
Channel 12 reported that U.S. officials have reached out to both men as part of contingency planning should Netanyahu’s government falter or lose power. Bennett leads an emerging “change bloc” that is actively coordinating with opposition leaders Yair Lapid, Benny Gantz, and Avigdor Liberman to present a united front against Netanyahu’s coalition.
Eisenkot’s newly formed Yashar! party has shown notable momentum in recent polls, positioning him as a fresh centrist alternative with strong security credentials. His rising popularity has drawn attention from both Israeli voters and international observers looking for stability in Israel’s fractured political landscape.
The development highlights the Trump administration’s pragmatic approach to U.S.-Israel relations, maintaining ties with Netanyahu while keeping lines open to potential future leadership. It remains unclear how extensive the contacts have been or what specific topics were discussed.
Neither the White House nor the Israeli opposition leaders have publicly commented on the Channel 12 report. Netanyahu’s office has not issued an immediate response.
Israel’s next parliamentary elections must be held by October 2026, though they could be called earlier if the current coalition collapses. Political analysts expect a highly competitive race, with opposition forces increasingly organized to capitalize on public dissatisfaction over security, economic, and judicial issues.
