Israel Elections 2026: Netanyahu Faces Gadi Eisenkot Challenge As October 7 Fallout Shapes Vote

Israel heads to the polls in a high-stakes national election that could determine Benjamin Netanyahu’s political future. Netanyahu faces a major challenge from former military chief Gadi Eisenkot, with the fallout from the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attacks remaining central to the campaign. Netanyahu’s Likud party is projecting defiance, while Eisenkot is campaigning on leadership change and national repair. Voters are weighing questions of security, accountability and political leadership after years of turmoil.