What is more important, saving Netanyahu or Israel?

The political ground beneath Benjamin Netanyahu is shifting. Israel’s October 27 election delivered Likud the largest number of seats, but failed to preserve the parliamentary majority of his nationalist-religious coalition. Netanyahu’s political survival now appears increasingly uncertain. The election has exposed a deeper question: should Israel’s establishment protect one leader, or put the country’s interests above his ambitions?

Netanyahu’s longstanding allies are beginning to distance themselves. United Torah Judaism, a traditional coalition partner, declined to recommend any candidate to form the next government. Meanwhile, two Arab-led parties endorsed Gadi Eisenkot, Netanyahu’s rival, strengthening Eisenkot’s position in the presidential consultations.

The numbers remain complicated. Likud won 27 seats in the 120-member Knesset, while Netanyahu’s bloc secured 53—short of the 61 required for a majority. Eisenkot’s alliance of Jewish-led parties won 48 seats, with Arab parties holding 19. Whether Eisenkot can assemble 61 lawmakers remains uncertain. The momentum appears to be moving away from Netanyahu.

President Isaac Herzog faces a consequential decision. His responsibility is not to rescue a political heavyweight, but to identify the candidate most capable of forming a stable government. Israel’s security and diplomatic challenges, alongside its internal divisions, demand leadership that can restore public confidence.

Netanyahu has questioned the election’s integrity, alleging vote tampering and accusing Arab-led parties of stealing the vote. However, the Central Election Committee said the election was not compromised. Casting doubt on a legitimate result risks weakening the democratic institutions Israel claims to defend. The peaceful transfer of power is not a procedural inconvenience; it is a democratic foundation.

Since the US-Israel attack on Iran on February 28, I have argued that Washington appears to act as an Israeli proxy. Yet the rapid erosion of support for Netanyahu and Donald Trump suggests costs may be mounting.

If Eisenkot secures 61 seats and forms a government, Netanyahu’s political career could end—and legal accountability may follow, subject to due process and the presumption of innocence.

Israel must decide whether to save Netanyahu, or save its democracy, credibility and future. The country should come first.