Benjamin Netanyahu vs Gadi Eisenkot in Israel's Oct 27, 2026 election

Israel's parliamentary election is set for 27 October 2026. Incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has led the country for more than 18 years, is running for another term despite ongoing criminal investigations for fraud, corruption and breach of trust.

Former chief of the Israeli Defence Forces Gadi Eisenkot, whose son was killed in the Gaza war, has emerged as Netanyahu's most formidable opponent. Eisenkot founded the new Yashar party in September 2025, which has overtaken Netanyahu's Likud in recent polls. The election will determine whether Netanyahu can retain power or if Eisenkot’s platform, critical of the Gaza war conduct, will shift Israel’s political direction.