Jerusalem: Israel is preparing for a closely watched parliamentary election that could reshape the country's political future after years of war, political divisions and growing public debate over national security and economic challenges. The election, scheduled for October 27, is expected to be one of the most significant in recent years as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seeks another term while facing a united challenge from several opposition leaders.
The vote comes at a time when Israel continues to deal with the effects of the conflicts that followed the Hamas attack of October 2023. The wars in Gaza, Lebanon and Iran have dominated public discussion, while many voters are also focused on the cost of living, military service, governance and the country's long term security. Political analysts believe these issues will play a major role in shaping the outcome of the election.
Unlike many countries where voters elect representatives from individual constituencies, Israel uses a nationwide system of proportional representation. Citizens vote for political parties rather than individual candidates, and all 120 seats in the Knesset are distributed according to each party's share of the national vote. Parties must receive at least 3.25 percent of the vote to enter parliament. Since no party has ever won an outright majority, coalition governments have become a regular feature of Israeli politics.
After the election, Israel's president will meet with party leaders before deciding which politician has the best chance of building a coalition government. The chosen leader must secure the support of at least 61 members of parliament to become prime minister. As a result, coalition negotiations often continue for weeks after the votes have been counted.
Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel's longest serving prime minister, is once again leading the Likud party into the election. Although he remains one of the country's most experienced political leaders, recent opinion polls suggest that his governing coalition has lost support compared with previous elections. Critics have questioned his handling of security issues before the October 2023 attack and the management of the conflicts that followed. Supporters, however, argue that his leadership experience remains important during a period of regional instability.
One of the strongest challengers is former military chief Gadi Eisenkot, whose popularity has grown in recent months. His military background and reputation for practical leadership have made him an attractive choice for many voters looking for change while still placing security at the centre of national policy.
Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett is also expected to play an important role in the election campaign. Earlier this year, Bennett joined forces with centrist opposition leader Yair Lapid in an effort to unite voters who want a change in government. Their alliance is seen as one of the most serious challenges to Netanyahu's political future.
Another influential figure is Avigdor Lieberman, a former ally of Netanyahu who has become one of his strongest critics. Even if his party does not emerge among the largest groups in parliament, political observers believe Lieberman could play an important role in post election coalition negotiations.
Recent developments have added further pressure to the political campaign. Netanyahu's meeting with United States President Donald Trump focused on regional security, including Iran and Gaza, but the discussions were also closely watched at home as Israelis assess the government's foreign policy and security strategy ahead of the vote.
Military service for ultra Orthodox Jewish men has also become a major political issue. The debate has created tensions within Netanyahu's governing coalition and could influence coalition talks after the election if no political bloc wins a clear parliamentary majority.
Opinion polls continue to indicate that the opposition holds a slight advantage over Netanyahu's coalition. However, Israel's fragmented political landscape means that winning the largest number of seats does not automatically guarantee the formation of a government. The ability to negotiate alliances with smaller parties will likely determine who ultimately becomes Israel's next prime minister.
As campaigning gathers pace over the coming months, security concerns, economic issues and coalition politics are expected to dominate public debate. While the election result remains uncertain, it is already clear that the vote will play an important role in shaping Israel's leadership and policy direction during a period of continuing regional uncertainty.