Benjamin Netanyahu seeks seventh term as Israel votes on October 27

Benjamin Netanyahu is campaigning for a seventh term as Israel holds parliamentary elections on October 27, facing a narrow contest and serious political headwinds. Netanyahu is the country’s longest-serving prime minister and, for decades, has presented himself as "Mr. Security." The October 7, 2023 attacks led by Hamas — widely seen by many Israelis as the country's most significant security failure — have deeply shadowed his bid.

Since those attacks, Netanyahu has placed the emphasis of his campaign on the war against Hamas, Lebanon’s Hezbollah and Iran. At the same time, he is contending with an ongoing corruption trial, charges he firmly denies.

Opinion polls point to an exceptionally tight race between Netanyahu’s right-wing bloc and an opposition coalition determined to remove him from power. The balance of power in the next Knesset is expected to turn on a handful of marginal seats.

The opposition camp features prominent figures including former prime minister Naftali Bennett and ex-chief of staff Gadi Eizenkot. Analysts expect that voters’ assessments of the October 7 events will strongly influence their choices at the ballot box.

Support base and political resilience

Despite repeated controversies and political crises that have tested his position, Netanyahu remains a resilient political figure. Supporters often refer to him as "King Bibi," and he retains strong backing among right-wing and religious voters.

His government’s policies — notably the continuation of exemptions from military service for ultra-Orthodox Jews engaged in full-time religious study — have helped consolidate that support. Yet the image of political invincibility is under strain: Netanyahu has acknowledged some responsibility for failing to prevent the devastating October 7 assault that occurred during his tenure.

Photo: press material from the event