Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces a critical election in Israel on Tuesday, with voters assessing his leadership amid the aftermath of the 2023 Hamas attacks, wars in Gaza, and escalating tensions with Iran. Opinion polls indicate a tight race between Netanyahu's Likud party and a rival alliance led by Gadi Eisenkot, with both candidates vying for power in a fragmented political system.
Netanyahu is campaigning on his wartime leadership and his alliance with U.S. President Donald Trump, who has endorsed him in the war on Iran. Eisenkot, a former military chief, has accused Netanyahu of relying on fear-mongering and has expressed confidence in Trump's support for any leader chosen by the people. Both candidates face challenges in forming a governing coalition, with Netanyahu potentially remaining as caretaker if neither can secure a majority.
The election comes amid deep domestic divisions over Netanyahu's policies and the security failures following the October 7 attacks. Supporters of Netanyahu argue he managed the war effectively, while opponents call for accountability and a national inquiry. The outcome could determine Israel's future political direction and its stance on Iran and the Palestinian conflict.