Israel election: polls open in most consequential vote in country’s history as Netanyahu faces referendum
A vote shaped by conflict
The election follows the 7 October 2023 attacks, when Hamas militants broke out from Gaza and killed nearly 1,200 people, most of them civilians. The attack was the deadliest day in Israel’s history.
Three years of regional conflict followed. This year, Israel and the US launched a war against Iran, which contributed to an ongoing global energy crisis; thousands have been killed, mainly in Lebanon and Iran.
Netanyahu faces personal stakes
Benjamin Netanyahu, 76, has led what is described as Israel’s most far-right government. The election is widely seen as a referendum on his leadership since the 7 October attacks.
Netanyahu is on trial in three separate corruption cases, which remain ongoing. Donald Trump intervened in the long-running matter, calling for a pre-emptive pardon and writing to Israeli president Isaac Herzog on Netanyahu’s behalf.
West Bank violence escalates
Under Netanyahu’s government, deadly extremist settler violence in the occupied West Bank has surged, in efforts to bolster Israeli control. Settler militants and their political backers have expanded their influence with impunity. Those political backers have helped keep Netanyahu’s government in power and have used their position at the cabinet table.
Key points
- Most polls predict Netanyahu’s coalition will lose its majority.
- Gadi Eisenkot is the leading opposition contender.
- The vote is widely seen as a referendum on Netanyahu’s leadership since 7 October 2023.
- The election follows years of regional conflict and a continuing global energy crisis.