Israel Elections 2026 Live Updates: Polls open in Israel, voters to decide whether to oust Netanyahu

Israel Elections 2026: Why the result matters beyond the country Israel's election carries implications for its relations with the United States, its regional security policy and its international standing. The country's alliance with Washington faces pressure amid the conflict involving Iran and continuing disagreements over the wars in the region. US President Donald Trump has publicly backed Netanyahu, making the election relevant to American political debate as well. Israel has also faced mounting international criticism over its military campaign in Gaza, while Netanyahu is subject to an International Criminal Court arrest warrant issued in 2024 over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity. The next government will face the challenge of managing security threats while navigating strained diplomatic relationships..Israel Elections: Voting begins as Eisenkot invokes October 7 attack, Netanyahu projects strongman image Voting began across Israel as 7,331,981 registered voters headed to polling stations to elect members of the Knesset. Polling is scheduled to close at 10 pm local time. Ahead of the vote, former Israel Defence Forces (IDF) chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot, a key challenger to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, invoked the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack while urging voters to back his Yashar party. Meanwhile, Netanyahu projected a strongman image as he sought another term in office..Israel Elections: Palestinian issue takes a back seat in Israel's election campaign Despite the devastating impact of the Gaza war and growing international scrutiny of Israel's treatment of Palestinians, the Palestinian issue has received limited attention in Israel's election campaign. Most major contenders have not advocated reviving the long-stalled peace process or establishing a Palestinian state in the foreseeable future. Netanyahu has sought to frame the election around security and opposition to Palestinian statehood, while his rivals have criticised aspects of his leadership and raised concerns about settler violence in the occupied West Bank. Arab party leader Mansour Abbas has focused largely on crime and security in Arab communities, while positioning his party as a potential coalition partner..Israel Elections 2026: Who are the key contenders in Israel's election More than 30 parties are contesting Israel's parliamentary election, but only a smaller group is expected to secure seats in the 120-member Knesset. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu leads the right-wing Likud party, while former military chief Gadi Eisenkot heads the centrist Yashar party. Former prime minister Naftali Bennett is contesting the election alongside Yair Lapid's political camp. Other prominent figures include far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, centre-left leader Yair Golan and Arab party leader Mansour Abbas. Their performances, alliances and willingness to cooperate could prove decisive in determining who can assemble the 61 lawmakers needed to form a government..Israel Elections: Military-service exemptions emerge as key election issue The question of military service has emerged as a significant issue in Israel's election, as the country faces prolonged security demands and continuing regional tensions. Netanyahu's governing coalitions have relied on ultra-Orthodox parties that seek exemptions from compulsory military service for young men studying in religious institutions. The arrangement has drawn criticism from Israelis who believe the burden of military duty should be shared more equally. Opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot has pledged to end the exemptions. The issue could also shape post-election coalition negotiations, with religious parties potentially holding the balance of power in a closely divided Knesset..Israel Elections 2026: October 7 attack remains central to Israel's election The October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack continues to shape Israel's political debate as voters head to the polls. The assault killed around 1,200 people in Israel and saw 251 others abducted, triggering the war in Gaza and wider regional conflict. Security failures surrounding the attack have become a major point of contention, with Netanyahu facing criticism over accountability and his resistance to calls for a commission of inquiry. According to the Israel Democracy Institute, around 68% of Jewish Israelis consider their attitudes towards October 7 a central factor in deciding which party to support..Israel Elections: A referendum on Netanyahu's leadership Israel's parliamentary election is widely seen as a test of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's leadership, with his handling of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack and the wars that followed at the centre of the campaign. Netanyahu faces a challenge from opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot, a former military chief, amid public debate over security failures, military-service exemptions for ultra-Orthodox Jews and the government's policies. Polls suggest a close contest, with neither bloc assured of a parliamentary majority. The outcome could determine whether Netanyahu retains power or the opposition succeeds in forming a new government.