Israel is scheduled to hold parliamentary elections on 27 October, representing the first general election since the 7 October 2023 attacks by Hamas. The contest is widely regarded as historically significant, with potential ramifications extending beyond the country’s borders.
Incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Gadi Eisenkot, a former Israel Defense Forces commander, are running neck-and-neck in current polling. Eisenkot founded his Yashar Party in 2025 and has built his campaign around demands for accountability regarding the security lapses preceding the 7 October attacks. He previously served in Netanyahu’s war cabinet before departing in 2024 due to disputes over conflict strategy. Other opposition figures include former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and Avigdor Lieberman, both advocating hardline security positions, alongside left-leaning Yair Golan. Netanyahu’s administration represents the most right-wing coalition in Israeli history, and maintaining power likely requires continued support from far-right partners advocating controversial positions including West Bank annexation and Palestinian displacement from Gaza.
The Knesset comprises 120 seats, with 61 required for a governing majority. Israel employs proportional representation, meaning coalitions of multiple parties are standard. Two Arab party blocs participate, though most leading Jewish parties have declined to work with them. Government formation may require weeks or months of inter-party negotiations following election day.
Campaign priorities center on security, military conscription policies—particularly regarding ultra-Orthodox exemptions—judicial reform proposals that critics contend undermine democratic institutions, and cost-of-living concerns. Netanyahu and Eisenkot broadly align on Gaza policy, both supporting a Trump administration peace proposal involving Hamas disarmament in exchange for phased Israeli withdrawal. Eisenkot has pledged to eliminate Hamas governance within 18 months through military action if necessary. On West Bank issues, Netanyahu favors continued settlement expansion, while Eisenkot opposes the E1 settlement project, seeks to close unauthorized outposts, and supports eventual Palestinian peace negotiations.
Two-state solution advocacy has declined substantially among Israeli mainstream politicians. None of the leading Jewish parties campaign on this platform in the current election. Exit polls will be released at 22:00 local time on election day, with preliminary results expected the following day and official tallies scheduled for 4 November. President Isaac Herzog will subsequently consult party leaders regarding government formation, a process potentially exceeding one month.
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