Israeli Election Tests Netanyahu’s Grip on Power

Tens of thousands of people gathered in Tel Aviv, demanding answers from Benjamin Netanyahu’s government regarding the failures leading up to the terror attacks on October 7. A woman at the march stated, “We cannot be a dictatorship! And we cannot have these criminals running our country.”

The demonstration called for a state commission to investigate the October 7 attacks. This protest took place on October 24, 2026, at Hostages Square, just ahead of Israel’s parliamentary elections set for Tuesday. Thirty-nine parties are participating in the elections, yet the focus is primarily on one person: Netanyahu.

Netanyahu, often referred to as Bibi, has been a dominant figure in Israeli politics for over 30 years. In markets outside Tel Aviv, opinions on the prime minister vary. Restaurant owner Benny Abraham expressed his support, saying he would vote for Likud and Netanyahu. Abraham praised Netanyahu, describing him as charismatic and strong, calling him “the king of Israel.”

However, perspectives differ. Liat and her husband Sharon fall into the “Anyone but Bibi” category. Liat acknowledged Netanyahu’s past contributions but stated, “No more.” Sharon described Netanyahu as a good politician but lacking management skills.

The divide over Netanyahu stems from controversial changes to the judiciary, a corruption trial, and allegations of ignoring warnings related to the October 7 attacks. While some believe Netanyahu safeguards Israel, 80-year-old Margalit Moses disagrees. Moses was kidnapped by Hamas on October 7, with many from her kibbutz, Nir Oz, killed or captured.

October 7 shifted many Israelis further to the right, but not Moses. She hopes for a governmental change leaning towards the middle or left, emphasizing peace with Arabs.

Netanyahu’s campaign portrays the elections as crucial for Israelis. Political posters near the Gaza Strip read “Right or Palestine,” with opposition party members depicted on the left. Leading the opposition is Gadi Eisenkot, a former military chief of staff. His son died fighting Hamas.

Eisenkot left Netanyahu’s government in 2024, accusing him of war prolongation and delaying hostage deals to satisfy right-wing coalition partners. According to political analyst Dahlia Scheindlin, Eisenkot represents a pragmatic alternative to Netanyahu. Despite former President Trump’s endorsement of Netanyahu, Eisenkot is unlikely to deviate significantly on issues concerning Trump and the U.S.: the Gaza and Iran conflicts.

Scheindlin noted that for Israelis, Eisenkot’s major changes involve excluding religious extremists and right-wing ultra-nationalists from the government, establishing an inquiry into October 7, and drafting ultra-Orthodox individuals. These are critical issues for the opposition.

Polls indicate Eisenkot’s party is leading, but forming a government requires coalition-building with at least four other parties. Despite the polls, Scheindlin believes Netanyahu’s political acumen could keep him in power: “He is the master of engineering politicians and coalition bargaining.” Thus, there remains a possibility Netanyahu could still be prime minister a year from now.