Gadi Eisenkot proposes legislative agenda to overturn Netanyahu's policies

Gadi Eisenkot, a leading candidate to replace Benjamin Netanyahu as Israel’s prime minister, unveiled a package of bills on the first day of the new legislative session, targeting the policies of the outgoing government. The proposals call for a state‑run inquiry into the Hamas attack of Oct. 7, 2023, impose term limits on the prime‑ministerial post, and seek to reverse recent changes that curbed the judiciary’s authority. The move marks the first formal legislative assault on Netanyahu’s legacy since the coalition’s collapse.

The initiative comes as Israel grapples with political fatigue after a series of elections and mounting public discontent over the war in Gaza and domestic reforms. Netanyahu’s last government pushed through a set of judicial reforms that many critics say weakened checks and balances, sparking nationwide protests. At the same time, the Oct. 7 attacks remain a painful scar, with survivors and families demanding accountability. Eisenkot’s agenda taps into both the demand for security accountability and the broader push to restore institutional balance.

Eisenkot’s bills are concrete. The inquiry would be led by a government commission, granting it powers to subpoena officials and review intelligence failures surrounding the Oct. 7 assault. The term‑limit proposal would cap a prime minister’s tenure at two consecutive terms, a measure aimed at preventing prolonged concentration of power. The judicial component seeks to roll back the 2023 legislation that limited the Supreme Court’s ability to review government actions, restoring its full oversight role. In an interview with France 24’s Sharon Gaffney, Al‑Monitor editor Rina Bassist said the proposals signal a “clear break” from Netanyahu’s approach and could reshape Israel’s political landscape if passed.

The bills now face a fragmented Knesset where Netanyahu’s allies still hold significant sway. If Eisenkot’s bloc can muster enough support, the measures could pass and set a new direction for Israeli governance. Failure would likely deepen the stalemate and prolong the cycle of elections. Either outcome will influence Israel’s internal cohesion and its ability to respond to regional challenges, making the coming weeks a pivotal moment for the country’s democratic institutions.