Edited by: TJVNews.com

In a major political upheaval with potential implications for the Israeli opposition landscape, two of National Unity’s most prominent members—MK Gadi Eisenkot and MK Matan Kahana—announced their departure from the party and the Knesset this week, signaling growing fractures within the centrist bloc led by former defense minister Benny Gantz.

The first blow came Monday evening when former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot informed Gantz of his decision to exit both the party and parliament. As reported by World Israel News, Eisenkot’s resignation was framed as a principled step, rooted in strategic and ideological disagreements with Gantz’s leadership, though both men were at pains to emphasize their continued mutual respect and longstanding personal relationship.

In an official statement from the National Unity party, a spokesperson confirmed the development: “Member of Knesset Lt.-Gen. (res.) Gadi Eisenkot informed National Unity party chairman Benny Gantz of his intention to leave the party and return his mandate to it.” The statement added that Gantz and Eisenkot had reiterated their shared commitment to Israel’s national welfare and to collaborating in future political and public endeavors.

According to World Israel News, Eisenkot’s departure had been anticipated in political circles in recent weeks, especially following a series of behind-the-scenes meetings with key figures in the opposition. Most notably, Eisenkot is said to have met with Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid to explore a possible political realignment. While Eisenkot has not confirmed any new affiliations, political analysts believe he is positioning himself for a return to the Knesset in the next election cycle—possibly under the banner of Yesh Atid.

Eisenkot, a respected figure in both military and political spheres, joined National Unity in 2022 and was widely seen as lending the party gravitas, especially on security matters. His exit removes a key voice of strategic caution from the party’s upper ranks and underscores the growing strain within the opposition as it struggles to chart a unified path in the wake of escalating regional tensions and internal political fragmentation.

Barely 24 hours after Eisenkot’s departure, MK Matan Kahana announced his own resignation from National Unity and from the Knesset, further compounding the crisis for Gantz. A former fighter pilot and respected colonel in the IDF reserves, Kahana previously served as deputy minister of religious affairs and was considered one of the party’s rising stars.

As World Israel News noted, Kahana’s departure—like Eisenkot’s—was not accompanied by overt political recrimination, but sources within the party suggest that frustrations over Gantz’s leadership style and strategic direction have been mounting for months. While no formal statement of cause was issued, Kahana’s move adds to the growing perception that Gantz’s centrist alliance is losing its coherence.

The twin resignations come at a delicate moment for Gantz, whose own political capital had recently risen amid the fallout from Israel’s war with Iran and the continued conflict in Gaza. World Israel News observes that Gantz, once touted as a potential unity candidate to bridge the left-right divide, now faces the daunting task of regrouping his party amid speculation that further defections could follow.

While Gantz still enjoys a degree of cross-partisan credibility, the exit of two high-profile MKs in rapid succession casts doubt on the stability of National Unity.