Israel Election 2026: Can Netanyahu Hold on to Power?

Israel heads into a pivotal election on Tuesday, October 27, in an election that could reshape its political future. It is the first national election since the Hamas-led attacks of October 7, 2023, which killed about 1,200 people and saw 251 taken hostage. The attacks triggered a devastating war in Gaza and wider regional conflicts. They also raised serious questions about Israel’s security and leadership. Now, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is seeking another term after serving about 18 years across six terms in office.

His main challenger is Gadi Eisenkot, a former military chief of staff who leads the centrist Yashar party. The two parties are competing closely, although polls differ on their projected support. Eisenkot, 66, has also faced personal loss: his son was killed fighting in Gaza in December 2023. Netanyahu is campaigning on security, using the slogan “No Surrender.” However, his critics want greater accountability for the October 7 attacks and a change in government. The central question is whether Netanyahu can secure enough support to remain in power.

Why Neither Side Has a Clear Path to Power

Israel’s election system makes the race more complicated than a contest between two leaders. Voters choose parties, not individual candidates, for the 120-seat Knesset, Israel’s parliament. A party must win at least 3.25% of the vote to enter parliament. To form a government, a coalition needs the support of at least 61 lawmakers. Recent polls suggest Netanyahu’s governing bloc could fall short, although some surveys show stronger support for his side. Channel 12 has placed Eisenkot’s Yashar ahead of Likud, while Channel 14 has shown a different picture.

Netanyahu is also facing resistance from some voters who once supported Likud. In the southern town of Dimona, some former supporters are campaigning for Eisenkot. However, the opposition is divided, and its leaders have their own political ambitions. Naftali Bennett and Avigdor Liberman are among the rivals who could complicate efforts to build a united government. Arab parties may also play a decisive role, although several opposition leaders have rejected cooperation with them. Tens of thousands of Israelis living abroad are expected to fly home to vote in person, with one group estimating about 67,000. Their political preferences vary, however. These divisions mean the election could end in a deadlock, followed by weeks of coalition negotiations.

Security, Living Costs and October 7 Could Decide the Vote

Security remains a major concern, but the rising cost of living is also shaping the campaign. A Channel 12 poll found that 21% of Israelis ranked the economy and living costs as their top election issue. A separate survey found that housing prices and living costs were major concerns for younger voters. Netanyahu recently suggested exploring cryptocurrency and blockchain technology to help Israel deal with possible international banking sanctions. However, the Bank of Israel rejected cryptocurrency as a way to bypass sanctions. Eisenkot mocked the proposal as “BibiCoin”. Meanwhile, calls for an independent state inquiry into the October 7 failures have become another major election issue. Surveys show that more than 70% of Jewish Israelis support establishing such a commission.

Ultimately, this election will test Netanyahu’s leadership and reveal what direction Israeli voters want for their country. Even if Eisenkot and other opposition parties make gains, forming a government could remain difficult. An administration without far-right leaders Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich could take a different approach to settler violence and relations with Western allies. However, a new government would still face difficult questions about Hamas, Gaza’s future and Israel’s security. Netanyahu’s return with his current partners could deepen existing tensions with some international allies. With no guaranteed path to a parliamentary majority, the election result may be only the beginning of a longer political struggle.

Web resources onIsrael Election 2026

1. BBC : Deeply divided Israel braces for pivotal election.
2. Reuters : Disenchanted Netanyahu supporters are prize of Israel election campaign.
3. CNN : Israel is holding its most important election in years. Here’s what’s at stake.
4. AP News : Tens of thousands of Israelis living abroad are expected to fly in for pivotal vote.
5. Guardian : Thousands rally against Netanyahu in Tel Aviv ahead of Israeli elections.
6. AcademicBlock : Israel Election May Change Netanyahu’s Fate, but Not Iran War Strategy.