Israel's parliament, the Knesset, has scheduled legislative elections for October 27, 2026, a vote widely seen as a referendum on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's leadership. The election was called after the government failed to pass a key budget bill, leading to a dissolution vote.
Netanyahu, leader of the Likud party, faces several prominent challengers. Yair Lapid, head of the centrist Yesh Atid party and former prime minister, is a leading contender. Benny Gantz, leader of the National Unity party and former defense minister, also poses a significant challenge. Other notable candidates include Avigdor Lieberman of Yisrael Beiteinu and Itamar Ben-Gvir of Otzma Yehudit.
The election campaign is expected to focus on security, the cost of living, and judicial reform. Netanyahu is currently on trial for corruption charges, which he denies. Polls suggest a tight race, with no clear majority for any single party.
