Who Could Replace Netanyahu? What Israel’s Opposition Leaders Stand For

On September 26, 2026, five prominent members of Israel’s opposition signed a non-aggression pact aimed at removing Netanyahu from power. The meeting took place at the Tel Aviv home of opposition leader Yair Lapid.

The group includes former prime ministers Yair Lapid and Naftali Bennett, former military chief Gadi Eisenkot, Democrats party leader Yair Golan and Yisrael Beiteinu leader Avigdor Lieberman.

Despite their ideological differences, the politicians said their shared goal was to form a Zionist government focused on repairing and rebuilding the country.

However, an Al Jazeera analysis notes that most of the opposition figures maintain right-wing positions. None has made the establishment of a Palestinian state a concrete political commitment. Golan is comparatively more open to the idea, describing it as a distant goal.

Would Netanyahu’s departure change Israeli policy?

Analysts interviewed by Al Jazeera suggest that the opposition’s alliance could bring significant changes to Israel’s domestic politics. But a change of government would not necessarily lead to a fundamental shift in policy toward Palestinians or military operations across the region.

Most opposition leaders retain right-wing positions on security, military service and Israel’s regional interests. Their differences with Netanyahu largely concern his leadership style, political future and approach to state institutions.

Even if a government without Netanyahu emerges after the October 27 election, that would not automatically mean support for Palestinian statehood or a major change in policy toward the war in Gaza.