Polls show opposition ahead but short in Israel election

Israel’s October 27 election is a high-stakes test of Benjamin Netanyahu’s leadership after the October 7 attack and the wars that followed. Because no party is expected to win a parliamentary majority, smaller factions and coalition negotiations could determine who governs. Polls cited in reports suggest an opposition bloc led by Gadi Eisenkot may win the most seats but fall short of the 61 needed for a majority, making Arab parties potentially influential; Arab leaders are urging higher turnout, while Eisenkot has ruled out aligning with them. Arab party leaders say they want a change of government and an end to the wars and policies they oppose. Israelis living abroad are also preparing to travel home to vote, despite Israel’s lack of postal or proxy voting, with some describing participation as a civic duty and a continuing connection to the country.