There is one key figure in the coming period, and it's not who you think

In an opinion column, Amit Segal argues that the key political figure in the coming period is Naftali Bennett, chairman of Yashar, not Gadi Eisenkot. Bennett is almost a single pivot player in any possible government, but he has a lot to lose – unlike Eisenkot who stands to gain the premiership. Segal reviews coalition scenarios and estimates that Bennett may seek new elections.

In an opinion column, Amit Segal argues that the key political figure in the coming period is Naftali Bennett, chairman of the Yashar party, not Gadi Eisenkot or Benjamin Netanyahu as many assume. Segal explains that Bennett, like Eisenkot, is almost a single pivot player in any possible government – Eisenkot would not want to enter a government with Netanyahu without him, and cannot enter a government that includes Haredim and Arabs without him. However, the fundamental difference is that Eisenkot has something to gain (the premiership), while Bennett has a lot to lose: he will face criticism for breaking campaign promises, and in the revenue column he will receive a senior ministerial position but not the premiership. Segal reviews possible scenarios: a minority government with the support of United Torah Judaism, Ra'am and the Joint List, or a unity government with Netanyahu – which Lapid would find hard to swallow. He estimates that Bennett will recommend Eisenkot to form the government, but calls on reporters to station a camera crew in Ra'anana, hinting that Bennett may seek new elections in which he could run as prime minister.