Daijiworld Media Network - Jerusalem
Jerusalem, Oct 26: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces a challenge from several political rivals, including Gadi Eisenkot, Naftali Bennett, Yair Lapid, Avigdor Lieberman and Yair Golan, as the country heads towards a crucial parliamentary election on Tuesday, according to local media reports.
Netanyahu has positioned himself as the strongest candidate to safeguard Israel’s security and manage its international relations. His Likud party is highlighting military operations against Hamas, Hezbollah and Iran, while critics argue that the October 7, 2023, attack exposed serious security failures under his leadership, Israeli media outlet i24 News reported.
Former Israel Defence Forces (IDF) chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot has emerged as a prominent challenger. His newly formed Yashar party combines a security-focused agenda with promises to restore public confidence and strengthen democratic institutions.
Former prime ministers Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid have also joined forces to form the Beyachad party, bringing together right-wing and centrist voters. Their platform focuses on national security, integrating ultra-Orthodox men into military service and the workforce, supporting reservists and reforming the constitutional framework.
Led by Avigdor Lieberman, the Yisrael Beiteinu party advocates a tough security policy alongside secular governance. Traditionally supported by immigrants from the former Soviet Union, the party is now seeking to appeal to a broader electorate demanding compulsory military service for all and reduced religious influence over public affairs.
Meanwhile, Yair Golan’s Democratic Party opposes annexation, supports a diplomatic resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and favours cooperation with moderate regional partners, i24 News reported.
With opinion polls indicating a closely contested race, Netanyahu’s opponents are also exploring possible post-election arrangements. According to The Jerusalem Post, parties opposed to the Prime Minister are considering the possibility of forming a minority government, despite resistance from Lieberman and Bennett.
The report also said a broad understanding was emerging among these parties to replace Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana even before a coalition agreement is reached.
While most opinion polls reportedly indicate an advantage for the anti-Netanyahu bloc over the outgoing coalition, the Zionist parties seeking political change remain short of the majority required to form a government under their existing agreements.
Nearly three years after the Hamas-led October 7, 2023, attack triggered a devastating war on multiple fronts, Israelis are preparing to vote in an election widely seen as a defining moment for the country’s political future, The Times of Israel reported.
The election, the first since the October 7 attack, is taking place amid deep divisions over accountability for the security failures that preceded the assault, the burden of military service and the independence of Israel’s democratic institutions and judiciary.
The outcome is expected to shape not only Netanyahu’s political future but also the direction of Israel’s security policies, domestic governance and relations with the Palestinians and other regional actors.