Israelis are voting in a closely contested parliamentary election that could end Benjamin Netanyahu‘s long tenure as prime minister, with former military chief Gadi Eisenkot emerging as his main challenger. The outcome could reshape Israel’s security policies, its relations with the United States and its approach to regional conflicts.
The Israel election is widely viewed as a referendum on Netanyahu’s leadership following the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attacks and the wars that followed in Gaza and across the Middle East.
Polling suggests a competitive race between Netanyahu’s Likud party and Eisenkot’s centrist Yashar party. However, neither leader is guaranteed to form the next government, even if their party wins the most seats.
Israelis vote for political parties rather than directly electing a prime minister. Parties must then negotiate alliances to secure a majority in the 120-seat Knesset.
With more than 30 parties competing, coalition negotiations could take weeks or even months after Tuesday’s vote.
Netanyahu Faces Pressure Over Security Failures and Military Service
The October 7 attacks remain a major factor influencing voters. Hamas-led militants killed approximately 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted 251 others during the assault on southern Israel.
According to the Israel Democracy Institute, approximately 68 percent of Jewish Israelis consider the events of October 7 a central factor in deciding which party to support.
Netanyahu has faced criticism over the security failures that preceded the attacks and his resistance to establishing an independent commission of inquiry.
Military service has also become a divisive election issue.
Netanyahu’s governing coalitions have traditionally depended on ultra-Orthodox parties that support military service exemptions for religious students.
The policy has generated public anger as Israel continues to face security threats and the consequences of prolonged military operations.
Eisenkot, a former military chief of staff who lost his son and two nephews in combat in Gaza, has promised to end the exemptions.
Other prominent political figures include former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, who is running alongside centrist politician Yair Lapid, and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who leads a far-right party.
Former general Yair Golan, leader of the center-left Democrats, is also competing for parliamentary representation.
Trump Backs Netanyahu as Election Could Reshape US-Israel Relations
The Israel election carries significant international implications, particularly for Washington.
President Donald Trump endorsed Netanyahu’s reelection campaign last week, publicly supporting the Israeli prime minister ahead of the vote.
The endorsement comes amid tensions surrounding the unresolved war with Iran, which the United States and Israel launched together on February 28.
Although regional diplomatic talks are continuing, concerns remain about renewed military escalation and the possibility of further instability across the Middle East.
The election also comes one week before the US midterm elections, where American policy toward Israel and the war in Gaza has become an issue in several political campaigns.
Israel’s treatment of Palestinians has attracted growing international criticism, particularly following the destruction and humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The International Criminal Court has issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu. Human rights organizations and United Nations officials have accused Israel of genocide, allegations the Israeli government strongly denies.
Despite international attention on the Palestinian question, the issue has received relatively limited attention during Israel’s election campaign.
No major contender has made renewed peace negotiations with the Palestinians a central campaign promise.
Netanyahu has warned voters that his opponents could move toward establishing a Palestinian state, while opposition figures have focused primarily on security failures, military service and government accountability.
For Israeli voters, the immediate question is whether Netanyahu can assemble another governing coalition or whether Eisenkot and other opposition leaders can form an alternative majority.
The results could determine not only Israel’s next prime minister but also the direction of its relations with Washington and its role in an increasingly unstable Middle East.
