In brief
The General Election in Israel is viewed as one of the most consequential in the country's history, taking place after the Hamas‑led attacks of 7 October 2023. Long‑time Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could see his almost two‑decade rule ended by a left‑leaning coalition, while his chief rival Gadi Eisenkot, a former military chief of staff, champions Israel’s liberal democratic identity. Netanyahu stresses that electing opposition parties would jeopardise national security. The outcome promises to reshape Israel’s domestic and foreign policy direction.
Voters in Israel are heading to the polls for a General Election some have described as the most consequential in the country's history. This election comes in the aftermath of the Hamas‑led attacks of 7 October 2023, making the stakes higher than ever.
For the first time since the attacks, the election could replace longtime Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s longstanding right‑wing rule with a coalition that leans more to the left. In this race, Netanyahu’s main challenger is Gadi Eisenkot, a former military chief of staff who insists that the vote is about preserving Israel as a liberal and tolerant democracy.
Netanyahu has made security the centerpiece of his campaign, warning that his rivals would endanger Israel’s safety. The vote is shaping the country’s future direction on both domestic policies and its stance in the broader Middle East.
Reported by Middle East correspondent Lucy Williamson.
