Middle Israel: If Israel's opposition wants to govern, they should rally behind Eisenkot - opinion

Amotz Asa-El argues that the Israeli opposition should unite behind Gadi Eisenkot as its candidate for prime minister, citing his popularity and symbolic status. He proposes a shadow cabinet with specific roles for Liberman, Bennett, a woman for finance, Lapid, Golan, and Kahana, to present a united front and convince voters of the opposition's readiness to govern.

In this opinion column, Amotz Asa-El argues that the Israeli opposition should unite behind Gadi Eisenkot as its candidate for prime minister in the next election. He contends that Eisenkot, despite being a political novice, is the opposition's strongest electoral asset, nearly twice as popular as Naftali Bennett according to polls. Asa-El suggests that Bennett, Avigdor Liberman, and Yair Golan should set aside their ambitions and present a united shadow cabinet with Eisenkot at its head. He proposes specific roles: Liberman for defense, Bennett for foreign affairs, a woman (Karen Turner or Orit Farkash-Hacohen) for finance, Yair Lapid for education, Yair Golan for national security, and Matan Kahana for justice. The author emphasizes Eisenkot's symbolic power, having lost a son and two nephews in Gaza, and his ability to inspire pride among Likud voters as the son of Moroccan immigrants. Asa-El argues that a shadow cabinet would demonstrate collective harmony and purpose, convincing swing voters that the opposition can lead the country.