Israel Election Puts Netanyahu’s Coalition at Risk

Israelis are voting in the October 27 national election, the first since the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attacks, with Benjamin Netanyahu seeking to remain in power amid criticism over security failures, his corruption trial and judicial overhaul. Polls suggest Netanyahu’s Likud-led bloc may fall short of a majority, while challenger Gadi Eisenkot has gained support, and coalition talks could leave the result unresolved for weeks. The campaign has focused on security, the wars involving Israel, rising defense costs, debt, relations with Palestinians and the future of the occupied West Bank. Arab turnout and the ultra-Orthodox vote are seen as pivotal; a Supreme Court ruling requiring the military to begin drafting Haredi men has strained Netanyahu’s alliance with Haredi parties and fueled protests. Northern residents affected by the war with Hezbollah have called for a change of government, while religious-secular disputes—including opposition to Haredi military-service exemptions—have highlighted divisions within Israeli society.