Netanyahu has presented his partnership with Trump as a key advantage, arguing that their alliance could help Israel confront regional threats, particularly Iran.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces a crucial test of his political survival as voters head to the polls, with his record on security, the wars in Gaza and Iran, and Israel’s international standing shaping a closely fought election.
Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving leader, is seeking another term by highlighting his wartime leadership and close ties with US President Donald Trump. However, his Likud party and right-wing allies face a challenge from rival groups led by former military chief Gadi Eisenkot.
The election comes amid deep divisions over the Hamas-led attacks of October 7, 2023, and the Israeli government’s response. Neither camp has a clear path to securing a majority in the 120-seat Knesset.
Netanyahu Banks On Trump, Security Record
Netanyahu has presented his partnership with Trump as a key advantage, arguing that their alliance could help Israel confront regional threats, particularly Iran.
On Sunday, Netanyahu said Trump was prepared to act again to “finally” remove the Iranian threat, but only if he remained in power.
Eisenkot, meanwhile, accused the prime minister of “relying on a campaign of fear-mongering, lies and threats”. He said he was confident Trump would work “in full cooperation with any leader chosen by the people”.
Netanyahu may need the support of far-right allies Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich to form his next government. Both have faced criticism and sanctions from some Western countries over their policies towards Palestinians.
October 7 Attacks Haunt Campaign
For Netanyahu’s opponents, the election is also a test of accountability for the security failures surrounding the October 7 attacks, in which Hamas-led militants killed around 1,200 people in Israel and took 251 hostages.
Israel’s subsequent military campaign has devastated Gaza, where health authorities say more than 74,000 Palestinians have been killed.
Voters remain divided over Netanyahu’s handling of the conflict. Mali Hajaj, an Education Ministry employee supporting Eisenkot, said “the most important thing is the establishment of a national inquiry because that’s where our healing will come from”.
But 18-year-old Likud supporter Nof Gabay defended the prime minister, calling him “the right man for the state of Israel”.
“Netanyahu managed the war in the best possible way,” Gabay said.