Jerusalem/IBNS-CMEDIA: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces a tough electoral battle as the country votes on Tuesday for the first time since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks and the subsequent wars in Gaza and Iran, media reports said.
As Israel’s longest-serving prime minister, with around 19 years in office, Netanyahu’s Likud Party and its right-wing allies are facing a challenge from an alliance led by former military chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot.
Close contest predicted
Netanyahu’s Likud Party is projected to face a close contest with its rivals, according to opinion polls. The Israeli leader, who maintains close ties with US President Donald Trump, has sought to make that relationship a key part of his election campaign.
Netanyahu has argued that Trump’s support would help eliminate the Iranian threat, presenting his ties with the US President as a crucial factor in ensuring Israel’s security if he is re-elected.
Eisenkot, however, has rejected Netanyahu’s argument, accusing him of resorting to “fear-mongering, lies and threats”.
He has maintained that Trump would cooperate with any leader elected by the Israeli people.
Photo: Benjamin Netanyahu Facebook
Why this election matters
The election comes at a critical juncture for Israel, following the October 7, 2023, attacks and the subsequent conflicts involving Gaza and Iran.
Security, regional stability and the country’s future political direction are among the key issues shaping the contest.
The outcome will also determine whether Netanyahu can retain power and continue his political agenda or whether the opposition can secure enough support to form a government.
Netanyahu is expected to need the support of his right-wing allies to secure a governing majority.
If neither side manages to obtain the required numbers, he could remain in office as caretaker prime minister until fresh elections, expected next year, media reports said.
US-Israel launch Operation Epic Fury on Iran
On February 28, 2026, the United States and Israel launched a coordinated military offensive against Iran, targeting its military and nuclear-related infrastructure, senior officials and leadership in an operation that Washington named Operation Epic Fury.
Trump said the strikes were aimed at preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons, degrading its missile capabilities and eliminating what he described as threats posed by the Iranian government.
(L-R) Benjamin Netanyahu and Donald Trump. Photo: Benjamin Netanyahu Facebook
Netanyahu also defended the joint operation, saying it was intended to remove what he called an existential threat to Israel.
The attacks killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to multiple reports, and triggered retaliatory Iranian missile strikes against Israel and US-linked targets across the Gulf, escalating the conflict across the region.
Polling hours
Polling stations will remain open from 7 am to 10 pm on Tuesday.
