Key facts
- Israel will hold national elections on October 27.
- The election date is the last allowed by law.
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu intends to run again.
- Recent polls indicate Netanyahu's coalition may lose the election.
- Discontent exists over security failures surrounding the October 7, 2023 attacks.
Israel is scheduled to hold national elections on October 27, the final date permitted by law, according to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition. This election follows the Gaza war and subsequent conflicts in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran. The precise date had been uncertain since the Israeli parliament voted to disband in May, which had raised the possibility of an earlier election. However, coalition head Ofir Katz confirmed on Sunday that the legally set October 27 date would be maintained. Netanyahu, 76, is already the country's longest-serving prime minister and has declared his intention to run again. His government, one of the most right-wing in Israel's history, has been working to pass legislation to strengthen his alliance before the election. Netanyahu has also spoken of forming a broad national government, which is seen as an attempt to campaign on national unity. However, recent polls suggest a majority of Israelis wish for him to leave office, with former military chief Gadi Eisenkot emerging as his primary challenger. The Israeli public has expressed criticism regarding the ceasefire that ended the war with Iran in late February, viewing it as unfavorable. Lingering discontent also surrounds security failures leading up to the October 7, 2023 attacks by Hamas. Israeli governments have historically rarely completed full four-year terms, and Netanyahu has demonstrated political resilience.