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He faces a challenge from four Opposition parties demanding accountability for the October 7 attack. With neither bloc projected to win a majority, coalition negotiations, a possible minority government and the prospect of another election could determine Israel’s political future.

Opinion polls suggest no political bloc is on course to secure a majority in the 120-seat Knesset.

Israel election 2026: ‘We want a change’ – can Netanyahu defy voters’ anger?

US President Donald Trump has reiterated his support for Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of Israels election, while the Israeli prime minister has warned of a possible nuclear threat from Iran.

Israel elections 2026: Did Netanyahu clash with IDF chief over Iran attack plans?

Israel’s proportional representation system makes coalition deals crucial, while polling data shows uncertainty among former Likud supporters and an uncertain political future for Netanyahu.

Israel elections 2026: Can Netanyahu survive with 13% of voters undecided?

As Israel prepares to vote on October 27, 2026, key political rivals are positioning themselves to replace Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

From war cabinet to political rivals: Inside Gadi Eisenkot's direct challenge to Netanyahu

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latest news on Benjamin Netanyahu trending stories news, videos, photos on Benjamin Netanyahu| Zee News

Benjamin Netanyahu: Latest News, Trending topics videos, photos | Zee News English

Jerusalem: Making a final appeal to Israeli voters ahead of October 27 polls, the country’s first general election since the Hamas-led attack of October 7, 2023, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned that his opponents could bring a dangerous left-wing government to power.A total of 7,331,981 eligible voters are expected to choose among candidates from 34 parties competing for seats in the Knesset (Israel’s parliament). The result will decide whether Netanyahu can secure another term or whether an Opposition alliance led by former Israel Defence Forces (IDF) chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot can form the next government.The election is taking place as Israelis are divided over responsibility for the October 7 attack, which exposed serious security failures, and the independence of the country’s democratic institutions and judiciary.Netanyahu, who has served as prime minister for 19 years across multiple terms, has led his coalition government through a full four-year term, an uncommon achievement in Israel’s unstable political system. He now faces a strong challenge from Eisenkot’s Yashar party, which has led several opinion polls, along with three other Zionist Opposition parties.Naftali Bennett’s B’Yachad, Avigdor Liberman’s Yisrael Beytenu and Yair Golan’s Democrats have joined Eisenkot’s party in challenging the Likud-led bloc. Polls suggest that the four Opposition parties could collectively win more seats than Netanyahu’s alliance. However, neither side is projected to secure the 61 seats needed for a majority in the 120-member Knesset.<h2>National security warning</h2>Netanyahu has sought to present the election as a choice between his leadership and a left-leaning government that could depend on Arab parties for support. He has argued that such an alliance would be dangerous for Israel.“Israel’s enemies want us to lose because that would pave the way for a dangerous left-wing government led by Eisenkot and Lieberman, with Yair Golan and the Arab parties. The way to stop them is to go out and vote only Likud,” he posted in a late-night message on Monday on X.The Opposition has built its campaign around accountability for the October 7 attack and a demand for an independent commission of inquiry into the security failures that preceded it. Eisenkot, a former military chief regarded as a security hawk, has accused Netanyahu of putting his political interests ahead of the country’s security.“Benjamin Netanyahu will conclude his role immediately following the election results that will take place tomorrow and the establishment of the next government, which will be carried out expeditiously. We will ensure that this is how it will be. The people of Israel will elect a prime minister whose considerations will always be for the good of Israel, who will never act out of political interests at the expense of Israel's security and the fighters of the IDF,” he wrote in his final message ahead of Tuesday’s vote.Liberman has also urged voters to back a change in leadership, presenting the election as an opportunity to build a stronger and more equal state.Posting a picture with his grandson on the eve of polling, Liberman called for equal military or civilian service, civil marriages and a common core curriculum in schools. He said he wanted his grandson to grow up in a “thriving, Zionist, sane, and strong State of Israel” and urged voters to turn out for the sake of future generations.Golan has called for an independent inquiry into the October 7 attack as part of his election campaign. He has accused Netanyahu’s government of resisting an independent investigation and seeking a politically appointed commission.“Only a true vote will ensure both Netanyahu's replacement and the replacement of his path. Only a big Democratic bloc will guarantee that we replace the prime minister and that there will truly be a government of change. Netanyahu’s government has resisted establishing such a commission – saying a politically appointed commission should be formed instead – while the prime minister has declined to accept personal responsibility for the failures on his watch,” he said on the eve of the election.<h2>Hung parliament could lead to another election</h2>The Opposition’s collective lead in opinion polls does not guarantee that it will form a government. Neither political bloc is expected to win the 61 seats needed for a majority. Coalition talks and the choices made by smaller parties could determine who forms the next government.Senior journalist Yaron Decel told ANI in Jerusalem that Opposition parties share a common goal of replacing Netanyahu, despite their differences on other issues.“Mr. Netanyahu is a controversial prime minister for a very long time. So, people here and we see the Opposition bloc, the glue between the four parties is to try to replace the government of Mr. Netanyahu with a new government. Mr. Netanyahu has served as the prime minister the longest time ever, 19 years, not consecutive terms. And he is very controversial. And the bloc that is against Mr. Netanyahu would like him to be removed and replaced,” he said.He predicted three possible outcomes. The first is a failure by both blocs to form a government, which could force Israel to hold another election within around four months. The second is a minority government led by Eisenkot’s Opposition alliance, with Arab parties abstaining during a confidence vote. The third is a national unity government involving Netanyahu and Eisenkot.Senior journalist Yaron Decel told ANI that the election could lead to three possible outcomes, as neither bloc is expected to win the 61 seats needed for a majority in the 120-member Knesset.“One, that nobody will be able to form a government,” he said. This could force Israel to hold another election in around four months if parliament fails to produce a stable government.The second possibility is a minority government led by Eisenkot’s Opposition bloc. Decel said the bloc could win around 56 seats, while the opposing side could secure 52. If two Arab parties abstain, the Opposition could gain enough votes to form a minority government.The third option is a national unity government involving Netanyahu and Eisenkot. “There is no bad blood among the two gentlemen, and they have to find a way to form such a government,” Decel said.He added that a unity government could serve Israel’s interests given its ongoing wrs with Iran, Hezbollah, Hamas and the Houthis.<h2>How Israel will form its next government</h2>After the votes are counted, President Isaac Herzog will consult the leaders of the elected parties before asking the lawmaker he believes has the best chance of forming a government to take the lead. That candidate will have 28 days to assemble a coalition, with a possible 14-day extension.If the first attempt fails, another party leader may receive 28 days to form a government, without an extension. If that effort also falls short, a majority of 61 lawmakers can ask the president to assign the task to a particular member of parliament within a further 21-day period.A government must secure the support of a majority of Knesset members voting to take office. A minority government can also be approved if abstentions leave it with more votes in favour than against, even when it has fewer than 61 supporters.If all attempts to form a government fail, Israel will have to hold another election. Netanyahu would continue as caretaker prime minister until a new government takes office.

Jerusalem (Israel): “We want a change.” That is the message from several Israeli residents ahead of legislative elections scheduled to be held on Tuesday (October 27). They described years of war, loss and uncertainty and called for peace, political change and national unity.Speaking to ANI, first-time voter Nave said that wars had affected young people and called on the government to reach agreements with other countries and Hamas in the Gaza Strip.“My expectation from the government is that after three years of war, we need to get some agreements with the other countries and with Hamas in the Gaza Strip, and we need to get some peace and quiet because these three years of war have affected us very much as young people and as first-time voters,” he said.He stated that most of his friends wanted a change in government, although some members of his family still supported incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.“Most of my friends think we need a change in government. Some members of my family still support Netanyahu, but most of my friends around my age want change,” he said.Gideon Ros also called for a change in government, saying that repeated violence had made it difficult for people to live peacefully.“I don’t like what is happening in Israel. There is constant war and killing on both sides, and we need some time to live in peace. Life here in Israel is good, but what is happening around us is not,” he said.Ido said the past few years had been difficult for him and his friends. The deaths of people they knew had affected their everyday lives.“It changed everyone’s outlook and their lives. I have a couple of friends who died, and all my friends know people who have died. You can feel the impact in everyday life,” he said.He described the election as important to his generation and expressed hope for a better future.“We have been through a very difficult couple of years, and my friends and I are hoping for a change. I really hope things will get better. This election is very important to us. We are excited, and we really want to see a change,” Ido said.Sharda called for national unity regardless of the result and said women should have a greater role in political decisions.“No matter what the election result is, we must stand together as one. Our unity is Israel’s strength,” she said.On women's participation in politics, she said women needed a greater role in decision-making. She emphasised that this was an issue in many countries, not just Israel.<h2>Trump backs Netanyahu</h2>Calls for change have come to fore as Netanyahu campaigns on security and his close relationship with US President Donald Trump, who has endorsed Netanyahu for a second time and urged Israelis to vote for the incumbent prime minister.“When you go to the Polls, please remember that Bibi has been an outstanding Warrior Prime Minister!” he wrote and referred to chants of “Death to America, Death to Israel”. He appealed voters to support the incumbent prime minister, adding, “we have to finish the job that we started”.<iframe style="border-width:0;max-width:550px;" src="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/117462449149582042/embed" width="100%" height="600" allowfullscreen="">
 </iframe> <script async="" src="https://truthsocial.com/embed.js"></script>Netanyahu has also warned of alleged threat posed by Iran’s nuclear programme. On Sunday (October 25), he shared an AI-generated image depicting a nuclear explosion in Tel Aviv and warned that voting for another candidate could expose the country to the danger of a “second Holocaust”.<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>The post quoted right-wing activist Yuval Blumberg, who described a nuclear-armed Iran as an existential threat. It argued that Netanyahu’s relationship with Trump offered a limited window to act against Tehran.The prime minister’s main rival, former military chief Gadi Eisenkot, played down Trump’s endorsement, saying the US president would work with any leader chosen by Israeli voters.“Donald Trump is a true friend of Israel. I appreciate his actions and commitment to Israel's security, and I am convinced that he will work in full cooperation with any leader chosen by the people,” he said.Israeli President Isaac Herzog has also said that the decision on who will be asked to form the next government would be his own. Speaking to American cable news network MS NOW, he said that neither Trump nor anyone else could intervene in his discretion, although he expected pressure.<h2>Liberman seeks probe over Iran strike plans</h2>The Iran issue has become a point of dispute after local media reported a confrontation between Netanyahu and Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir over possible military action against Tehran.Yisrael Beytenu Chairman Avigdor Liberman has asked Israel’s attorney general to open a criminal investigation against Netanyahu, accusing him of pressuring security officials to take steps that could lead to a miscalculation with Iran before the election.“The attempt to drag the State of Israel into war on the eve of elections, together with the willingness to sacrifice IDF soldiers solely due to fear of losing the elections, constitutes treason against the state, its security and the IDF soldiers,” he said on X.<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>Israel’s Channel 12 reported that Zamir had resisted a proposed operation and sought further deliberations and written legal authorisation from Netanyahu. The report cited anonymous sources but did not specify the proposed action. Netanyahu dismissed the allegations as “nonsense”, according to The Times of Israel.Defence Minister Israel Katz also rejected reports of a rift between Netanyahu and Zamir, calling them “completely baseless and false”.“I state unequivocally that Israel had no intention of initiating an attack on Iran before the elections in Israel, while making clear that if Iran attacks Israel, we will respond with great force,” he said.Eisenkot criticised the prime minister over the alleged dispute, saying national security should not be used for political purposes. He expressed confidence in Zamir and other military commanders and warned against putting political interests above the country's security.<h2>No clear majority </h2>The election is being contested by Netanyahu’s Likud-led coalition, which includes Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s Religious Zionism party and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir’s Jewish Power party. Eisenkot has presented himself as a political alternative with a strong emphasis on security. Other contenders include an alliance led by former prime ministers Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid, Liberman’s party and a four-party coalition headed by Yair Golan, which has substantial representation from Israel’s Arab minority.According to The Jerusalem Post, four election surveys that closed on October 23 showed Eisenkot’s Yashar party leading Likud. Neither of the two main political blocs had enough projected seats to secure a majority in the 120-member Knesset.Israel uses a party-list proportional representation system. Voters choose lists of candidates, and seats are allocated according to each list’s share of the vote. Parties must receive at least 3.25% of valid votes to qualify for seats.After the election, President Herzog will ask a member of the Knesset to form a government. The proposed government must then win a vote of confidence in parliament. All Israeli governments formed to date have been coalition governments.(With ANI inputs)

Tel Aviv: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing resistance from military chief General Eyal Zamir over plans for a possible military operation involving Iran, according to Israeli media reports published a day before the country's election.Citing anonymous sources, Israel's Channel 12 reported that Zamir had sought further deliberations on the proposed action and written documentation from the prime minister confirming its legal authorisation. The report did not disclose the details of the military instructions, although it has led to speculation about preparations for another attack on Iran.A military source quoted by the channel said, “This relates to an action that could lead to a flare-up with Iran, at a sensitive and dramatic moment, creating this potential miscalculation.”It also cited unnamed sources familiar with the matter who said military leaders feared that the political leadership could seek “to utilize the Iranian issue for political benefit”.Netanyahu dismissed the allegations as “nonsense” in an interview with Israel's Channel 14, according to The Times of Israel.<h2>Iran plans and election campaign</h2>The reported disagreement emerged just a day before election in the country that is scheduled to be held on Tuesday (October 26). Opinion polls projected a close contest between Netanyahu and his main rival, Gadi Eisenkot.In an earlier television appearance, the prime minister said that he had instructed the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) and the Mossad to work towards toppling the Iranian regime.He has also made Iran's nuclear programme a major part of his election campaign. On Sunday (October 25), he shared an AI-generated image depicting a nuclear explosion over Tel Aviv and warned that a vote against him could expose Israelis to the threat of a “second Holocaust”.The post quoted right-wing activist Yuval Blumberg, who described Iran's potential acquisition of nuclear weapons as an existential danger to Israel.“The State of Israel is in real and tangible existential danger. If the Iranians acquire nuclear weapons, nothing will ever be the same again. Everything is so trivial compared to the existential threat of Iran and the Shiite axis,” the post read.It also argued that Israel had a limited period to complete its efforts against Iran while US President Donald Trump was in office.“We have another two years of Trump to finish the work in Iran, and there is no telling what will come after that – whether it's Kamala Harris or some other mediocre. This is the window of time we have left to complete the necessary work to ensure our physical existence for the coming years,” the post said.It further argued that Israel needed a prime minister who could maintain close communication with Trump to carry out the task.<h2>Trump extends support for Netanyahu</h2>The US president has publicly endorsed Netanyahu again on Sunday, sharing an earlier endorsement on his Truth Social and urging Israeli voters to return the prime minister to office.He cited US military operations against Iran, including Operation Midnight Hammer and Operation Epic Fury, while claiming that Iran had lost its navy and air force and that its military and economy were in disarray. He also referred to the US naval blockade of Iranian ports and claimed that Iran's inflation rate had reached 301%.“Vote for Bibi Netanyahu for Prime Minister, we have to finish the job that we started,” Trump wrote.The US president described Netanyahu as “an outstanding Warrior Prime Minister” and said their cooperation had helped prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.Final election projections published on October 23 showed that neither Netanyahu's governing coalition nor the Opposition bloc was expected to win enough seats to form a government after Tuesday's vote.(With ANI inputs)

Jerusalem: In an election that could decide Benjamin Netanyahu’s political future after years of war and criticism of his government’s handling of national security, Israel will vote on Tuesday (October 27). With around 13% of voters still undecided, rival parties are trying to win over people who could determine the balance of power in the next Knesset. US President Donald Trump has backed Netanyahu, who is seeking another term as prime minister. He has said that he is concerned about the election result but will not retire if he loses.The contest has become especially important for centrist challenger Gadi Eisenkot, whose Yashar party is seeking support from voters who backed Netanyahu’s Likud party in the 2022 election. Recent polling suggests that Netanyahu’s coalition could struggle to secure a parliamentary majority, while Opposition parties also face difficulties in putting together a government. <h2>How is Israel’s government formed?</h2>Israel follows a parliamentary system. The Knesset is the country’s legislature. It has 120 seats, and a government needs the support of at least 61 lawmakers to command a majority.The country uses proportional representation, which means seats are allocated according to the votes parties receive across the country, subject to an electoral threshold. No single party has ever won enough seats to govern alone. Coalition negotiations therefore play an important role in forming a government.After the results are announced, President Isaac Herzog consults political parties before asking a candidate considered best placed to form a government to take the lead. The candidate is given 28 days to form a coalition. The deadline can be extended by up to 14 days.If the first candidate fails, the president can give another lawmaker an opportunity. If those efforts also fail, further parliamentary steps may follow, potentially leading to another election.The results are expected on November 4, while preliminary results should be available after voting ends. Israel’s political history shows how difficult coalition-building can be. The country held five elections between 2019 and 2022 after parties repeatedly failed to establish a stable government.<h2>Netanyahu’s challenge among undecided voters</h2>The Israel Democracy Institute’s Viterbi Family Center for Public Opinion and Policy Research estimates that about 13% of voters have not decided whom to support. Among people who voted for Likud in 2022, only 55% now say they plan to vote for the party again.Around 15% of these former Likud voters say they will back parties opposed to Netanyahu, including 8% who favour Yashar. Another 14% say they will vote for other right-wing parties, while 9% are still undecided. Michal Elmalem Abu, a city council member elected from Likud who is now leading Eisenkot’s campaign in Dimona, said that Netanyahu had a core of loyal supporters who were unlikely to change their minds. The main contest, she said, was for voters who “understand that we are in a state of crisis” and could be persuaded to support another party.Dimona, a town in the Negev Desert with a long history of support for Likud, has become an important battleground. Some former Likud voters are campaigning for Eisenkot, blaming Netanyahu for the security failures surrounding Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack. Other residents continue to support the prime minister, crediting his governments with investment in their communities. <h2>Rain forecast on polling day</h2>Southern and eastern Israel are expected to see cooler weather and rain. Heavier showers, thunderstorms, strong winds and possible hail are forecast for the afternoon.Flash floods are a particular risk in dry riverbeds in the Negev and Arava regions and around the Dead Sea. However, polling stations are scheduled to remain open for 15 hours. Voters can cast their ballots before or after periods of rain.Israel’s election calendar takes seasonal conditions into account. As per the 1959 amendment to the Basic Law, the Knesset set the usual election period after the Tishrei religious holidays and before the coldest part of winter.If Tuesday’s vote takes place as scheduled, it will be the first Israeli general election held on its legally prescribed date since 1988. The election date of October 27 was confirmed after the Knesset’s legal adviser said that the ongoing parliament would complete its full term.

The next Israeli general election is scheduled for October 27, 2026, as the first nationwide vote since the Hamas attacks of October 2023 and resulting region-wide conflict in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran. As Israel elects political parties to fill the seats of the 120-member Knesset, there are a number of prominent politicians who are challenging Benjamin Netanyahu as the country's longest-standing prime minister.<h2>How does Israeli voting work?</h2>A majority of 61 members in the 120-member Knesset is required to establish the government.Proportional representation: Seats are awarded to parties exclusively on the basis of their share of the national vote.Electoral threshold: A minimum threshold of 3.25% of votes for a party is needed for entry into the Knesset, with all votes received below this level by parties being discarded.Rule of coalitions: Notably, not a single party in Israel's history has achieved such a 61-seat majority, and thus post-vote negotiations on forming the government through a coalition are an essential component of the process.<h2>The main challengers to Netanyahu</h2>1. Gadi Eisenkot — YasharEx-chief of staff of IDF Gadi Eisenkot leads Yashar ("Honest"), a center party emphasizing security pragmatism and state governance.Background: Spent 41 years in the armed forces serving as the 21st Chief of Staff of the IDF between 2015 to 2019 and joined the emergency War Cabinet following October 2023.Platform: Puts forward the principle of focusing on rescue operations of hostages rather than a broad definition of "total victory," promotes universal conscription into the military and is against two-state solution and insists on the dual character of the state being Jewish and democratic at the same time.<h2>2. Naftali Bennett &amp; Yair Lapid — B'Yachad ("Together")</h2>Two former prime ministers, Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid created an electoral alliance combining right-wing security politicians and center-liberals.Background: In 2021-2022 the leaders co-headed the coalition government.Platform: Emphasises "reforms first" approach including economic issues related to cost-of-living reduction, education reform, and border security alongside civil equality.<h2>3. Itamar Ben-Gvir — Otzma Yehudit</h2>Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir leads the ultra-nationalist Otzma Yehudit ("Jewish Power") party running independently of Netanyahu's Likud.Main plank: Emphasis on stringent anti-terror measures, sovereignty of Jews over the holiest places, civilian armament and the voluntary movement of Palestinians out of Gaza.<h2>4. Bezalel Smotrich – Religious Zionist Party (RZP)</h2>The incumbent Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich heads this radical religious nationalist group.Main plank: Advocate for the expansion of the settlements, formal annexation of West Bank regions, judicial reform and application of religious law to public administration.<h2>5. Yair Golan – The Democrats</h2>The former Major General Yair Golan heads The Democrats – this is a consolidated party formed by joining the traditional left-wing parties Labour and Meretz.Main plank: Blend of military expertise and social democratic ideology calling for judicial independence, civil rights, state investment and open political dialogue with Arab-Israelis.<h2>6. Avigdor Lieberman – Yisrael Beiteinu</h2>The Former Defense and Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman is the leader of the secular right-wing party Yisrael Beiteinu, popular among Russian speaking Israelis.Main plank: Hawks on military issues regarding Gaza and West Bank territories coupled with complete secularism opposing ultra-orthodox coalition prerogatives and draft exemptions.

Meet the key challengers vying to replace Benjamin Netanyahu

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