In brief
Israel’s November election draws a country still reeling from the October 7 Hamas attacks. Polls show a near‑tied contest between the ruling Likud, led by Benjamin Netanyahu, and the centrist Yesh Atid of former general Gadi Eisenkot. The stakes are high, with major concerns about security policy, the future of the Gaza Strip, and the balance of power in a fragmented parliament. Voters are split between calls for tough action against Hamas, demands for a state inquiry and a re‑emergence of democratic norms. The outcome could decisively shape Israel’s domestic politics and its regional posture.
The November election is set to test a country that remains deeply fractured after the October 7 attacks by Hamas. In a race that may hinge on a handful of seats, the veteran Likud bloc, led by former prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, faces a museum‑era overhaul from former military chief Gadi Eisenkot’s Yesh Atid faction.
Polls indicate a neck‑and‑neck scenario, with less than 10% of voters still undecided. The electorate is split between a hard‑line stance on Hamas, a demand for a judicial inquiry into the 2023 attacks, and concerns over the future of Israeli democracy.
Eisenkot, a former chief of staff elected in 2024, has built a reputation as a calm, low‑drama leader who speaks plainly about security, economy and social issues. His image as a “non‑politician” resonates with first‑time voters who feel alienated by coalition politics.
Netanyahu’s campaign, meanwhile, pushes a “No Surrender” message, urging voters to maintain a hard‑line approach against Israel’s foes. He emphasizes the role of the Supreme Court and the need for a continued campaign to maintain security in the region.
The contest’s outcome could see Israel hiring an alliance with Arab parties to secure a majority, defy or support judicial reforms, and shape new policies toward the West Bank. With the threat of cyber attacks, rising tensions on the Gaza border, and widespread concerns about democratic erosion, voters face a decision that will affect Israel’s trajectory for years to come.
