The Global Story: The challenger to Netanyahu, with New Yorker editor David Remnick
Aug 23, 2026 · 28m
Summary
This episode of The Global Story features an interview with David Remnick, editor of The New Yorker, regarding Gadi Eisenkot, a former Israeli general emerging as a top contender to unseat Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in upcoming elections. Remnick discusses Eisenkot’s background, including the loss of his son in Gaza, and contrasts his centrist, pro-democracy platform with Netanyahu’s right-wing coalition strategies. The conversation also explores how a potential leadership change might impact the strained U.S.-Israel relationship amidst shifting American public opinion.
Topics discussed
Intro and ads for Lexus and ChatGPT
Introduction to the episode and guest David Remnick
Overview of Netanyahu's potential loss to Gadi Eisenkot
Eisenkot's son killed in Gaza and public reaction
Eisenkot's Moroccan heritage and military background
Eisenkot's personality and the Dahiya Doctrine
Eisenkot's role in the war cabinet post-October 7th
Disagreements over hostage strategy and leaving the cabinet
Israeli coalition politics and Eisenkot's new party
Eisenkot's platform on democracy and the Palestinian question
Ads for PetSmart, Levi's, Starbucks, and Figs
Counterfactual: How Eisenkot might have handled the war
Netanyahu's polling struggles and campaign tactics
Shifting U.S. public opinion on Israel
Challenges in repairing the U.S.-Israel relationship
Outro and teaser for next episode on Prince Harry
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