Israeli election puts Benjamin Netanyahu’s long political dominance to the test

A vote centered on Netanyahu

Tens of thousands of people marched in Tel Aviv, calling on Netanyahu’s government to answer for failures connected to the October 7 attacks. One woman at the protest said, “We cannot be a dictatorship!” and objected to what she called criminals running the country.

Tuesday’s parliamentary election is the first since the attacks. Thirty-nine parties are running, but the article describes Netanyahu as the central figure after more than three decades of influence in Israeli politics.

Voters split over leadership

Restaurant owner Benny Abraham said he would vote for Likud and Netanyahu. Liat and her husband, Sharon, were described as part of the “Anyone but Bibi” camp. Liat said she believed Netanyahu had done good things for Israel, but that it was time for him to go. She said she hoped a more centrist or slightly left-wing government could change Israel’s approach to Arabs and pursue peaceful relations.

Disputes shape the campaign

Opposition to Netanyahu reflects disputes over changes that sidelined the judiciary, his ongoing corruption trial and allegations that he ignored earlier warnings about the October 7 attacks. His campaign has portrayed the election as existential for Israelis.

Opposition promises and uncertainty

Scheindlin said Eisenkot wants a state commission of inquiry into October 7 and to draft the ultra-Orthodox. She also said Netanyahu could still be prime minister a year later, citing his experience with coalition bargaining and political maneuvering within legal means.