National Unity Party Fractures as Eisenkot and Kahana Resign, Farkash-Hacohen Weighs Exit
Two prominent members of Israel’s National Unity party, Gadi Eisenkot and Matan Kahana, have announced their resignation from the party and the Knesset, sparking further turmoil within the faction led by Benny Gantz. The moves come as the party faces growing internal tensions and as former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett eyes a return to political life.
Eisenkot, a retired military chief and the party’s second-highest-ranking member, informed Gantz on Monday of his decision to leave, citing dissatisfaction with the party’s direction. He had been promised internal reforms, including leadership primaries, when he joined Gantz’s slate for the 2022 election, but reportedly concluded that remaining “would not allow him to realize his ideas and ideology.”
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Just a day later, Kahana, a former Yamina member and close ally of Bennett, followed suit. His resignation has fueled speculation that he plans to join Bennett’s newly registered Bennett 2026 party. Though the party has yet to submit a Knesset list, its stated goals include bolstering national security and integrating the ultra-Orthodox into military service and the workforce.
A statement from National Unity confirmed Kahana’s departure, with Gantz thanking him “for his partnership and decency and wished him success.” Kahana had entered the Knesset on Eisenkot’s reserved slot and is now returning his mandate.
Meanwhile, MK Orit Farkash-Hacohen is reportedly under pressure from party officials not to resign following the back-to-back exits. If she steps down, her replacement would be Akram Hasson, a member of the allied National Right list.
Yesh Atid party leader Yair Lapid is reportedly exploring the possibility of bringing Eisenkot into his party’s leadership ahead of the next national election.
