Israel elections set for October 27, analysts call it a referendum on Netanyahu

The Knesset has confirmed that the next date for Israel’s general elections will be October 27, thus marking the maximum possible deadline under current legislation. The electoral process is widely seen as a kind of referendum on the future of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, especially in light of events following the Gaza conflict in 2023.

For the first time in many years, an executive in Israel is expected to complete a full four-year legislative term without moving to early elections, as the current parliament’s mandate officially ends on July 17.

Netanyahu’s new plan and bid for another term

At 76, the leader who has served the longest at the helm of the Israeli government has announced he will run for re-election. His coalition, considered one of the most right-wing in the state’s history, has hurried to approve several legal initiatives to consolidate its base before the campaign begins.

In an effort to reshape his ideological profile and embrace a spirit of unity, Netanyahu recently stated:

“My goal is to form a broad national government, not a right-wing or left-wing executive that relies on Arab parties, but a broad national government.”

Polls do not favor him, his challenger emerges

Although he is trying to reinvent his campaign around the idea of unity, the latest public opinion polls show a decline in Netanyahu’s popularity. A majority of Israeli citizens express a desire for him to step down as head of the executive.

Based on current figures, former Israeli army commander Gadi Eisenkot is considered the strongest rival to take the reins of the country.