An election scheduled for later this month could reshape Israeli governance, with uncertainty gripping the nation following the Hamas attack of 7 October 2023 and subsequent conflicts across multiple regions. Polling data indicates a deadlocked political landscape, with neither Prime Minister Netanyahu’s coalition nor his main challenger, former military chief Gadi Eisenkot, positioned to command the 61 seats necessary for a parliamentary majority.
Recent surveys show Netanyahu’s Likud party projected to secure 18 seats, while Eisenkot’s Yashar party leads with 22 seats. However, the broader coalition mathematics remain problematic for both sides, with Jewish Israeli opposition parties anticipated to win around 52 seats compared to 51 for the prime minister’s bloc. Eisenkot has stated he will not form a coalition with Palestinian Israeli parties, despite those parties’ projected 12 seats potentially being crucial to government formation.
Public sentiment reflects deep divisions and widespread disillusionment. Trust in Israeli institutions has declined significantly, standing at 34 percent in 2025 compared to 61 percent in 2012. Voters express concerns ranging from military conscription disputes involving the ultra-Orthodox community to economic deterioration, with food prices rising 9.5 percent over two years. The security situation, including regional conflicts and diplomatic isolation, concerns even traditional right-leaning voters in areas historically supportive of Netanyahu.
The election campaign highlights stark differences between voter priorities. Supporters of Netanyahu and far-right ministers advocate for continuing military operations to “finish the job,” while opposition voters emphasize the need for policy shifts addressing education, social welfare, and economic stability. Among the population, resignation and skepticism prevail, with some citizens questioning whether a change in leadership will produce meaningful differences in national direction and governance priorities.
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