Israel holds high-stakes general election following years of regional conflict

Israelis headed to the polls on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, to participate in the first general election since the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attacks. Approximately 7.3 million eligible voters are deciding the future of the nation as they weigh the leadership of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against the challenge posed by former military chief Gadi Eisenkot, whose Yashar party has gained significant momentum in recent polls. The campaign has been dominated by debates over security failures, the ongoing war in Gaza, confrontations with Iran, and the contentious issue of ultra-Orthodox military conscription.

Polling stations opened at 7 a.m. and are set to close at 10 p.m. Final surveys indicate a tight race with neither Netanyahu’s right-wing bloc nor the opposition coalition currently securing the 61 seats required for a parliamentary majority in the 120-member Knesset. The potential influence of Arab parties, which could reach a record 16 seats, adds complexity to the coalition-building process.

While Netanyahu has campaigned on his security experience and a strong alliance with US President Donald Trump, critics hold him responsible for the worst security failure in Israel's history. Regardless of the election outcome, forming a functional government is expected to be difficult, with negotiations potentially stretching over several weeks or months. Final results are not expected immediately, with counting and coalition talks likely to dominate the coming period.