Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is still standing — but for how long, and with who behind him?
After a military win over Iran and a temporary bump in the polls, Israel’s longest-serving prime minister looks stronger.
But don’t mistake momentum for stability. His coalition is fragile, his rivals are sharpening their knives, and the jockeying for his seat is already underway. Here’s who’s in the wings — and why the next move might not be his to make.
Traders on Polymarket think there’s a 21% chance he’s out this year. So who’s poised to step in?
Inside Likud
Likud is Israel’s main right-wing party and the political machine that’s kept Netanyahu in power for decades. Founded in the ’70s as a coalition of conservative factions, it’s since evolved into a dominant force—nationalist, security-first, economically free-market, and increasingly populist. If you’re trying to understand Israeli politics, start with Likud: it’s the party of Bibi, but the future battleground for who comes next.
Yariv Levin
Levin remains the leading internal successor — Netanyahu’s loyal ally and architect of his judicial agenda.
Gideon Sa’ar
Sa’ar (now Foreign Minister) is the Likud dissident turned centrist‑right figure, widely respected, and remains a viable alternative.
Israel Katz
Katz continues to wield influence with his national security credentials.
Danny Danon
Danon could be a long shot, but he has raised his diplomatic profile since his U.N. tenure.
Opposition / Centrist Front
Israel’s opposition is a mix of parties that agree on one thing: Netanyahu’s got to go. Leading the pack is National Unity, a centrist alliance built around Benny Gantz and Gadi Eisenkot — both ex-generals with steady hands and broad appeal. Then there’s Yesh Atid, Yair Lapid’s liberal party, and Bennett 2026, Naftali Bennett’s comeback bid. Together, they don’t always agree on the future — but they’re betting it doesn’t include Bibi.
Benny Gantz
Gantz is the top challenger. His camp’s National Unity alliance is gearing up for a leadership primary, between Gantz and former IDF Chief Gadi Eisenkot, with primaries set in the months ahead.
Naftali Bennett
Bennett formed “Bennett 2026” in April. Early polling suggests it could be the largest party in a future centrist bloc.
Yair Lapid
Lapid’s Yesh Atid remains a key voice in the center-left opposition.
How It Could Go
Within Likud: Levin, Sa’ar, and Katz are the clear heirs if Netanyahu steps aside — or is forced out.
In a national election: Gantz, Bennett, Lapid, and Sa’ar would battle as the main centrist-right alternatives.
Snap elections loom, but so far, even with Iran-related gains, Netanyahu hasn’t unlocked a workable majority — and snap timing remains speculative.
