Benjamin Netanyahu battles to stay in power as Israel heads to election

Israel’s parliament was dissolved after completing its first full‑term mandate since 1988, triggering elections expected in October 2026. Polls suggest Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may lose, but analysts say the outcome remains uncertain amid lingering anger over the Gaza war, which left more than a hundred Israeli hostages still captive.

Netanyahu has repeatedly stated he will not withdraw Israeli forces from Gaza before or after the election, arguing that any concession would be seen as weakness by his extremist coalition and could spark internal revolt. He maintains a policy of indefinite military dominance, while international proposals for a phased Israeli pull‑back, a cease‑fire and reconstruction aid have seen little progress. Protests against his government have continued in the run‑up to the vote.