Eisenkot says two-state solution ‘delusional’ post-Oct. 7, but E1 settlement plan a ‘mistake’

Live updates

1. 1h ago

   Eisenkot Challenges Netanyahu in Tight Israel Election

   Former military chief Gadi Eisenkot is challenging long-serving Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Israel's parliamentary election, campaigning on government accountability and compulsory military service. Opinion polls show neither the incumbent coalition nor the opposition is on course to secure a parliamentary majority, pointing to a difficult coalition-building process or potentially another election. Eisenkot opposes Palestinian statehood and states that Hamas' military wing must be destroyed or dismantled following the October 7 attacks.

   Why it matters

   The election marks the first time Israel has gone to the polls since Hamas attacked the country three years ago. Eisenkot presents a security hawk alternative to Netanyahu and far-right allies while breaking with the current leadership style. Initial exit polls indicate declining confidence in Netanyahu following the October 7 attacks.

   What is confirmed

   • Former military chief Gadi Eisenkot is challenging Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the Israeli parliamentary election.
   • Eisenkot served as the military's chief of staff from 2015 to 2019 under Netanyahu.
   • Opinion polls show neither the incumbent's coalition nor the opposition is on course to secure a parliamentary majority.
   • Eisenkot opposes Palestinian statehood and says Hamas' military wing must be destroyed or dismantled.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Initial exit polls indicate declining confidence in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following the October 7 attacks.

   What to watch next

   • Final coalition-building negotiations and potential government formation outcomes
   • Further developments regarding the possibility of another election due to the deadlock
   Sources used for this update (9)

   1. www.foreignaffairs.com — What Israel’s Election Won't Change | Foreign Affairs
   2. www.livemint.com — Israel elections 2026: Who is Gadi Eisenkot? Will he end the ...
   3. www.tbsnews.net — Who is Gadi Eisenkot, the former Israeli army chief ...
   4. impactnews-wire.com — Who Is Gadi Eisenkot, The Man Giving Netanyahu Sleepless ...
   5. www.europesays.com — Eisenkot offers hawkish alternative to Netanyahu for Israeli ...
   6. www.timesnownews.com — Israel Election: Eisenkot Says Voters Reject Netanyahu Over ...
   7. www.jta.org — Israel’s election deadlock: 3 scenarios for what comes next
   8. en.wikipedia.org — Demographics of Cameroon - Wikipedia
   9. www.worldatlas.com — Ethnic Groups Of Cameroon - WorldAtlas
   confidence 95%
2. 62d ago

   Eisenkot calls two-state solution delusional and E1 plan a mistake

   Gadi Eisenkot, a rival to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, described a two-state solution as delusional following the October 7 attacks. Despite this stance, Eisenkot labeled the E1 West Bank settlement plan a mistake. This internal Israeli disagreement coincides with external pressure, as U.S. Democratic senators led by Gallego have demanded a halt to E1 construction. While some argue the E1 area is essential for Israeli security, other reports suggest Israel is using global distractions to increase control over East Jerusalem and the West Bank.

   Why it matters

   The E1 area is a strategic corridor between Jerusalem and the West Bank. Settlement expansion there is viewed by critics as a barrier to future Palestinian statehood. These tensions are heightened ahead of the 2026 Israeli elections.

   What is confirmed

   • Gadi Eisenkot described the two-state solution as delusional after October 7.
   • Gadi Eisenkot called the E1 settlement plan a mistake.
   • Democratic senators led by Gallego are calling for a halt to E1 settlement construction.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Slovenia's Janša is helping Netanyahu blunt the EU response to West Bank land-grabs.
   • Israel is cementing control over the West Bank and East Jerusalem while the world is distracted.
   • The E1 area is vital to Jerusalem and Israeli security.

   What to watch next

   • Official Israeli government decision on the E1 settlement construction
   • Further statements from Gadi Eisenkot regarding his 2026 election platform
   • EU response to West Bank settlement expansion
   Sources used for this update (9)

   1. The Conversation — Israel is cementing its control over the West Bank and East Jerusalem while the world is distracted
   2. The Times of Israel — Eisenkot says two-state solution ‘delusional’ post-Oct. 7, but E1 settlement plan a ‘mistake’
   3. WSJ — Opinion | A False End of the ‘Two-State Solution’
   4. Haaretz — Netanyahu Rival Eisenkot Says E1 West Bank Settlement Plan 'A Mistake' - Israel Elections 2026
   5. The Jerusalem Post — The E1 area is vital to Jerusalem and Israel’s security
   6. EUobserver — Slovenia’s Janša helps Netanyahu blunt EU response to West Bank land‑grab
   7. The Hill — Democratic senators demand Israeli government halt West Bank settlement expansion plans
   8. CounterPunch.org — Qusra is Just a Warning: Israel’s Blueprint for the West Bank
   9. Jewish Insider — Gallego leads Senate Democrats calling for halt to E1 settlement construction plans
   confidence 90%