Netanyahu's party lags in polls ahead of first election since Oct. 7, 2023

On October 27, 2026, Israelis will vote to elect the Knesset (parliament), following three years marked by wars in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran. The election is seen as one of the most consequential in Israel's history, with Benjamin Netanyahu, seeking another term after nearly two decades in power, facing his main challenger Gadi Eisenkot. Thousands rallied in Tel Aviv on October 24 to protest against Netanyahu ahead of the vote, demanding an independent inquiry into the 2023 Hamas-led attacks and calling for a change in government to preserve Israel's democracy.

Netanyahu’s campaign focuses on security, while his opponents argue that his rule threatens democratic values. Recent polls show Netanyahu's Likud party lagging behind the opposition bloc. Notably, tens of thousands of Israelis living abroad are expected to travel back to cast their ballots, potentially influencing the election outcome. This election could signal a shift from right-wing dominance toward a more left-leaning government.