'Right-wing but not Netanyahu': Will Israel's new mini-parties save Bibi or bury him?

Israel's political landscape is being reshaped as right-wing parties, unaffiliated with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, emerge as potential spoilers. The personal standing of Netanyahu has waned, as indicated by recent polls, prompting speculation that his influence could be waning. Haaretz columnist Joshua Leifer and correspondent Linda Dayan weighed in on the matter during a recent podcast.

Dayan noted that mainstream Israelis, who do not identify as leftist, perceive Gadi Eisenkot as a viable alternative to Netanyahu. This could be the first time in a long while that Israelis see a potential leader who can replace Netanyahu, who they once felt was irreplaceable due to his experience and gravitas. The new right-wing parties are maneuvering to form a government coalition that excludes Netanyahu and the Democrats, while also aiming to keep Arab parties out.

There is a glimmer of hope that a coalition led by Eisenkot, without the Democrats or Arab parties, could be a possibility. However, this scenario remains a distant dream for many.