Politics
Israelis vote in first general election since October 7 attacks
Deutsche Welle · 1 hour ago · Read the Full Story on Deutsche Welle
AI SUMMARY
Israelis are heading to the polls to elect a new Knesset in a tightly contested general election between incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and opposition challenger Gadi Eisenkot.
- Voting began at 7 a.m. local time on October 27, 2026, and is scheduled to close at 10 p.m.
- Approximately 7.3 million Israeli citizens are eligible to vote in the election.
- This is the first general election since the Hamas-led October 7, 2023 terror attack and the subsequent Gaza war.
- Incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces a strong challenge from former military chief Gadi Eisenkot, whose Yashar party has polled strongly against Netanyahu's Likud party.
- Arab political parties are projected to play potential kingmakers in post-election coalition negotiations.
- Key campaign issues include accountability for the security failures of October 7, military service exemptions for ultra-Orthodox men, proposed judicial reforms, and the economy.
- Both Netanyahu and Eisenkot oppose the creation of an independent Palestinian state, meaning a major shift in the peace process is not expected.
Related
Lula Wins Historic Fourth Term in Brazil
The Guardian · 4 hours ago
Serbian Leader Aleksandar Vucic Defeated by Student Movement in Snap Election
Al Jazeera · 21 hours ago
Gabon Lifts Eight-Month Social Media Ban
BBC · 21 hours ago
Netanyahu Claims 90 Percent of Iran's Nuclear Program Destroyed Ahead of Election
BBC · 21 hours ago