In a climate of unprecedented social tension, the prestigious historian Benny Morris has expressed deep concern over the violent drift of Israeli internal politics, warning that current instability could potentially lead to political assassinations.
Morris specifically identified Gadi Eisenkot—the former Chief of General Staff and a highly influential figure in national security—as a potential target for attacks. This warning comes as the nation moves toward elections scheduled for October 27, 2026, a process likely to be marked by deep ideological fractures and the wearing down of Benjamin Netanyahu's mandate.
Geopolitical Context
Israel is currently navigating one of its most acute crises since its founding. The management of the conflict with Iran and the ongoing hostilities in Gaza have severely eroded social cohesion.
While Israeli politics has historically been volatile, the current divide between the conservative-religious wing and progressive sectors has created a breeding ground for radicalization.
This refers to the systematic exclusion of Arab-led political parties from governing coalitions, which significantly narrows the spectrum of political alternatives and concentrates the power struggle within closed ideological blocs.
The Political Deadlock
According to Morris, the core issue is not only the threat of violence but the structural impossibility of forming a solid opposition front.
The historian argues that without the integration or support of Arab political forces, it would be extremely complex to build a political project capable of displacing the current government through stable, democratic means.
This leaves Israel at a crossroads: a society demanding profound change but lacking a leadership capable of articulating a diverse majority, which increases social frustration and the potential risk of using extra-institutional methods to force a transition of power.
Global Perspectives and Risks
Should an episode of political violence occur, the stability of the entire Middle East could be seriously compromised, potentially encouraging aggressive responses from external actors such as Iran or Hezbollah.
Furthermore, the difficulty in constructing a viable political alternative might mean that Netanyahu would be in a position to prolong his mandate through control of the state apparatus. This, in turn, would likely deepen Israel's diplomatic isolation from the international community and global liberal sectors.
Information based on reports regarding Benny Morris's analysis of the Israeli political landscape.