Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing a critical test of his political future as voters head to the polls on Tuesday, October 27, amid questions over the October 7, 2023, attacks, successive military conflicts and Israel’s international standing.
Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving leader with 19 years in office, has built his campaign around his wartime leadership and close relationship with US President Donald Trump. However, opinion polls indicate a close contest between his Likud party and right-wing allies and a rival alliance led by former military chief Gadi Eisenkot.
The election follows the Hamas-led October 7 attacks, in which 1,200 people were killed and 251 taken hostage, according to the report. Israel subsequently launched a military offensive in Gaza. Gaza health authorities say Israeli attacks have killed 74,000 people.
Israel has also fought Hezbollah in Lebanon, exchanged strikes with Iran and conducted a 12-day aerial campaign against Iranian nuclear sites in 2025. The conflict escalated further this year with a joint US-Israeli war against Iran.
Netanyahu’s critics have questioned his government’s responsibility for the security failures preceding October 7 and called for a national inquiry. He also faces an ongoing corruption trial, charges he denies. Supporters, meanwhile, credit him with confronting Israel’s security threats.
Eisenkot has accused Netanyahu of relying on fear-based campaigning and argued that Iran must be prevented from acquiring a military nuclear capability, through military action or diplomacy.
Neither political camp has a clear path to securing a parliamentary majority. Netanyahu may need the support of far-right leaders Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, whose positions have drawn criticism internationally. Eisenkot, meanwhile, has ruled out partnering with Arab parties, although their support could potentially help a minority government.
Israel’s 120-seat parliament operates under a fragmented electoral system in which coalition-building is crucial. If neither camp can assemble a majority, Netanyahu could remain caretaker prime minister until another election is held.
The result will determine not only who governs Israel but also how voters assess the government’s handling of security, diplomacy and accountability.
Source: Reuters, as reported by The Times of India
