{
  "id": 2883553,
  "title": "Yashar surges ahead of Likud as Eisenkot party outlines plans for potential government - analysis",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/23/yashar-surges-ahead-of-likud-as-eisenkot-party-outlines-plans-for",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-23T22:46:16.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Jerusalem Post",
    "slug": "jerusalem-post",
    "url": "https://www.jpost.com/israel-election-2026/article-906367"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A recent Channel 13 poll has placed Yashar, a new political party founded in 2025, ahead of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party in the Israeli parliament. With 26 seats, Yashar would become the largest faction in the legislature. Orit Farkash-Hacohen, a Yashar candidate, sees this as a natural development, stating that voters are seeking an alternative to Netanyahu's leadership and style.\n\nRecent polls have been consistent in placing Yashar ahead of Likud, with the party ranging from 22 to 26 seats, while Likud has ranged from 21 to 23 seats. As the party gains political traction, it is being asked to provide detailed plans outlining their policies on the economy, military service, public spending, and regional recovery efforts following the events of October 7.\n\nYashar's leader, Eisenkot, has begun preparations for potential government, focusing on creating a cabinet that prioritizes public service over political survival. The party's appeal is tied to Eisenkot's personal qualities, with voters looking for leadership associated with integrity and public service. Political scientist Jack Drassinower notes that Israeli elections have increasingly centered on party leaders, with Eisenkot's military background giving him an advantage in a security-focused election environment.\n\nFarkash-Hacohen aims to reduce societal divisions that have deepened since the October 7 attacks, accusing the current government of using polarization as a political tool. She wants to bring back unity among Israelis, emphasizing the resilience and unity of the Israeli people. Additionally, Yashar seeks to broaden military or national service, including populations that have historically had exemptions, such as ultra-Orthodox and Arab Israelis.\n\nThe economic platform of Yashar has received less attention compared to other areas, which Drassinower considers a weakness. Farkash-Hacohen details her party's economic plans, which include addressing the rising cost of defense, reducing unnecessary ministries, and reviewing subsidies that discourage workforce participation. The party also plans to tackle grocery and cosmetics markets, which are affected by concentrated corporate power and exclusive import agreements.",
  "summary": "Other recent polls have differed on the size of the advantage, but most of the six surveys reviewed for this article placed Yashar ahead of Likud.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Jerusalem Post",
        "title": "Ex-Yesh Atid MK Elazar Stern joins Eisenkot's Yashar, after announcing resignation from Knesset",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/24/ex-yesh-atid-mk-elazar-stern-joins-eisenkots-yashar-after-announcing",
        "published": "2026-08-24T08:12:16.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}