Israel Schedules National Election for October 27

Israel’s parliament (the Knesset) announced that a national election will be held on October 27, the latest date permitted by law. The legislature will complete its current four‑year term on July 17, marking the first time in decades that a government has served a full term without early dissolution.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, 76, has confirmed he will run again, seeking a seventh term. He remains Israel’s longest‑serving premier and is simultaneously facing a corruption trial and criticism over his handling of the Gaza war that began after the Hamas attacks of October 7, 2023. The vote is widely viewed as a referendum on his leadership.

Opposition parties point to former army chief Gadi Eisenkot as the main challenger; recent polls show Eisenkot’s Yashar party slightly ahead of Netanyahu’s Likud. Other notable rivals include former prime ministers Naftali Bennett and opposition leader Yair Lapid. The coalition is racing to pass legislation, including judicial reforms and changes to ultra‑Orthodox military service, to strengthen its position ahead of the ballot.