Israel holds first general election since October 7 attacks

On October 27, 2026, Israel held its first general election since the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023. Approximately 7.3 million eligible voters were tasked with selecting 120 members for the Knesset from 37 competing lists. The vote is widely viewed as a referendum on the 19-year leadership of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose Likud party faces a competitive challenge from Gadi Eizenkot’s Yashar alliance. The campaign period was marked by intense polarization and the use of AI-generated content by the incumbent to warn against a "second Holocaust" linked to Iranian nuclear threats.

Polls leading up to the election indicated a tight race, with neither the current governing coalition nor the opposition bloc led by Eizenkot showing a clear path to the required 61-seat majority. Analysts suggest the results could necessitate complex coalition negotiations, potentially granting Arab parties a decisive role. The election concludes a period defined by regional conflicts in Gaza, Lebanon, and with Iran, as well as significant internal debate regarding security failures and social cohesion. Polling stations opened at 7:00 and remained accessible until 22:00, with exit polls expected shortly thereafter to provide an initial outlook on the political landscape.