Eisenkot leads polls as Israel heads to vote with peace process sidelined
Source: DW News · All DW News reports
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Summary
The DW News segment covers Israel's final election push ahead of the October 27, 2026 vote, focusing on opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot's rally in Tel Aviv promoting change and trust. It notes security as the dominant voter issue with the Palestinian peace process largely absent from campaigns. Interviews with former Knesset speaker Abraham Burg and former MK Ofer Shelah explore why peace has vanished, potential policy shifts under a new government, the viability of two-state vs. one-state solutions, and rebuilding faith in diplomacy. The broadcast also reports on a major Israeli military operation displacing thousands in Hebron, a UN report on Israeli actions in the West Bank, and dismissive Palestinian views from Gaza.
Editorial Assessment
The segment provides a thoughtful examination of how trauma from October 7 and ongoing multi-front wars have pushed Palestinian statehood to the political margins in Israel, with both major candidates offering similar hawkish stances. Burg's long-held view that the two-state solution is a 'utopia' and that the real debate is over the character of a de facto one-state reality (equal rights vs. discriminatory regimes) is accurately presented and consistent with his prior writings. Shelah correctly notes public support for continuing military operations despite declining assessments of achievements, reflecting poll data on Israeli attitudes. Viewers miss fuller context on Eisenkot's own record as a security hawk who has pledged to destroy Hamas's military capabilities within 18 months and opposes a Palestinian state in current conditions. The UN report's accusations of crimes against humanity, extermination, and ongoing genocide in Gaza are presented without Israel's strong rejection or details on Palestinian attacks prompting operations. Gaza voices reflect deep skepticism but omit Hamas's role in governance and October 7. Overall, the framing leans toward critiquing Israeli policy and right-wing influence while highlighting settler extremism, potentially skewing perceptions away from widespread Israeli consensus on security necessities post-October 7.
Key Moments
The prospect of peace with Palestinians has almost vanished from the election campaign due to the Abraham Accords, October 7, and the right-wing government.
Polls and coverage confirm peace process is sidelined; security and Netanyahu's personality dominate discourse in the 2026 election.
Both two-state and one-state solutions are currently utopias; the real discussion is what kind of one-state reality Israel will have—discriminatory or with equal rights for all between the Jordan and Mediterranean.
Accurately reflects Abraham Burg's longstanding public position expressed in interviews, articles, and books since at least 2011.
More than 3,000 Palestinians expelled from homes in Hebron by Israeli military operation targeting gunmen neighborhoods.
Reports confirm large-scale displacement (1,200-3,000+) after killing of two Israeli soldiers; Israel describes it as counterterrorism, not collective punishment, with homes used for military purposes.
UN report finds Israel carried out widespread and systematic attacks against civilians in West Bank, including crimes against humanity.
Matches the October 26, 2026 UN Commission of Inquiry report, though Israel rejected it as propaganda detached from reality.
A change in government would bring better human attitude toward Palestinians but not necessarily a peace agreement; Israeli politics and public have lost ability to imagine alternatives beyond military force.
Both guests (Burg, Shelah) emphasize leadership and upside vision needed; polls show broad Israeli skepticism of negotiations post-October 7, with Eisenkot himself a security hawk promising decisive action against Hamas.
Notable Concerns
- Heavy reliance on guests critical of current Israeli policies without equivalent voices from the Netanyahu bloc or far-right
- West Bank displacement numbers vary across reports (1,200-3,171); broadcast uses the higher end
- UN report presented as authoritative without noting Israel's dismissal as biased or context of Palestinian terrorism
Sources Consulted
- Final Israeli election polls: Eisenkot leads, neither bloc secures majority
- Gadi Eisenkot and Netanyahu in Israel election race
- Israel has committed war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Occupied Palestinian Territory
- Around 1,200 Palestinians are displaced in Hebron as Israel begins military operation
- The one state solution
- Israel’s elections 2026 explained in maps and charts
- Eisenkot aims to out-hawk Netanyahu ahead of elections
- Israel election: A new face, same politics of war