Israelis are voting on October 27, 2026, in a legislative election that has become a referendum on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's leadership and his handling of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack. The election pits Netanyahu's experience against his critics, who argue that he failed to prevent the attack. According to Denis Charbit, an Israeli political scientist, the election will determine whether Netanyahu's response to the attack and subsequent military operations will be enough to secure his position.
Charbit, a professor at the Open University of Israel, notes that Netanyahu's main asset is his experience in power, having served as prime minister for 20 years. Netanyahu is emphasizing his military achievements, including the war in Gaza, the weakening of Hamas and Hezbollah, and the blows dealt to Iran's nuclear program. He is also counting on the support of US President Donald Trump, who has two years left in office, to pursue military operations against Israel's enemies.
Gadi Eisenkot, a former chief of staff, is running against Netanyahu, promising a change in style and policy. Eisenkot's military background and pledge to tackle the settler violence in the West Bank may appeal to some voters. However, Charbit notes that Eisenkot's security stance is not significantly different from Netanyahu's, and he has promised to disarm Hamas, something Netanyahu failed to do in three years.
A potential Eisenkot victory could lead to some changes for the Palestinians, particularly in terms of the Israeli army's behavior towards settlers in the West Bank. Charbit believes that an Eisenkot government would likely put more pressure on the army to control settler violence, rather than withdrawing from occupied territories. This could lead to a more orderly situation for Palestinians, but a two-state solution remains a distant prospect.
The election campaign has been dominated by security issues, with the Palestinian statehood issue largely absent. However, Charbit suggests that if Eisenkot wins and forms a stable government, the question of a Palestinian state could return to the agenda. This would depend on the situation on the Palestinian side and the ability of Israeli and Palestinian leaders to revive the peace process.
The outcome of the election will not only determine Netanyahu's future but also the prospects for a renewed peace process between Israelis and Palestinians. With a range of possible outcomes, the international community is watching closely to see how the situation unfolds. The new government will have to navigate complex security challenges and potentially explore new diplomatic avenues.
As the results come in, it is clear that the election has highlighted deep divisions within Israeli society. The next government will have to address these divisions and find a way to move forward, whether under Netanyahu's leadership or that of his challengers. One thing is certain: the future of Israel and its relationships with its neighbors will be shaped by the outcome of this critical election.
Key points
- The Israeli legislative election is seen as a referendum on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's leadership and his handling of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack.
- Gadi Eisenkot's candidacy offers a change in style and policy, but his security stance is not significantly different from Netanyahu's.
- The election outcome will impact not only Netanyahu's future but also the prospects for a renewed peace process between Israelis and Palestinians.
