Netanyahu battles for re-election amid war, legal woes and rival challenge
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces a tight election as he leans on security credentials, Trump’s endorsement and anti-Palestinian rhetoric while contending with an international arrest warrant and a corruption trial.
Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving prime minister, is fighting what he calls the most critical election of his career, emphasizing his security record and a recent endorsement from Donald Trump. His campaign slogan, displayed on posters nationwide, declares a choice between the right and a Palestinian state, a position supported by a majority of Israeli voters. Rival Gadi Eisenkot, a former chief of staff, is gaining traction by highlighting Netanyahu’s perceived failure to prevent the Oct. 7 Hamas assault.
Amid the campaign, Netanyahu ordered a large-scale operation in the occupied West Bank following the killing of two Israeli soldiers near Hebron and pledged to pursue Hamas everywhere. He also remains under an international arrest warrant for alleged war crimes in Gaza and is undergoing a lengthy corruption trial, while trying to portray recent military actions against Hamas, Hezbollah and Iran as evidence of his leadership. Despite polls suggesting he may not form a government alone, Netanyahu insists the election determines Israel’s very survival.
Why it matters
The election will decide Israel’s security policy and its approach to the Palestinian issue amid ongoing wars and legal challenges.
How this story developed
- Sep 3 Netanyahu urges fragmented right-wing parties to merge ahead of October election
- Oct 19 Trump warned that a different Israeli leader could compel the United States to intervene against Iran.
- Oct 20 Vice President JD Vance announced he will not support Netanyahu in the Israeli election.
- Oct 21 Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel will see the Iranian regime and Hezbollah eliminated, linking the goal to discussions with Donald Trump.
- Oct 21 Channel 12 poll shows 64% of voters say Trump’s endorsement will not affect their vote, 17% say it reduces support for Netanyahu, and 12% say it reinforces support.
- Oct 22 Former Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar filed a libel lawsuit claiming he warned Netanyahu before the Oct 7 assault.
- Oct 24 A recent poll shows Eisenkot ahead of Netanyahu.
- Oct 24 Former Likud supporters in the Negev town of Dimona are going door-to-door for centrist rival Gadi Eisenkot ahead of Israel’s Oct. 27 election.
- Oct 25 Eisenkot has risen in polls to a narrow advantage over Netanyahu's Likud.
- Oct 26 Netanyahu posted an AI‑generated picture of a nuclear explosion over Tel Aviv warning that a vote for Eisenkot would bring a “new Holocaust.”
- Oct 26 Retired police chief Shuky Zisso addressed demonstrators labeling Netanyahu and his allies criminals and fascists.
- Oct 26 Israelis head to the polls on Tuesday to elect the 26th Knesset, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seeking to retain power amid war fallout and domestic challenges.
- Oct 27 President Donald Trump publicly endorsed Netanyahu ahead of the election.
- Oct 27 Final results are scheduled to be released eight days after the election.
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