Netanyahu vs Eisenkot: Israel’s Tightest Election Yet

Israelis are heading to the polls in what many describe as one of the most consequential elections in the nation’s history ^[1]. An unprecedented 70,000 people have returned from abroad to vote, while half a million are voting for the first time. Polls show incumbent Benjamin Netanyahu locked in a near-tie with former military chief Gadi Eisenkot, who leads the newly formed Yashar Party and the so-called 'change bloc'. Neither bloc is projected to secure the 61 seats needed for a majority, setting the stage for protracted coalition talks.

Eisenkot’s coalition includes former prime minister Naftali Bennett, right-wing hardliner Avigdor Lieberman, and left-leaning general Yair Golan — united only in their goal to oust Netanyahu ^[1]. The opposition has focused on Netanyahu’s record on security, citing the 7 October Hamas attacks that killed nearly 1,200 and took 251 hostages, and his resistance to an independent inquiry. They also highlight his ongoing corruption trial and controversial judicial reforms, which sparked mass protests.

Netanyahu, meanwhile, continues to position himself as 'Mr Security', citing military victories and his ties to former US President Donald Trump ^[1]. In the final days, reports emerged that Netanyahu had pushed for last-minute military action against Iran prior to the election, according to one source. He also reportedly sought to persuade Trump to carry out new strikes on Iran, but was refused, according to a separate report. Netanyahu has denied both claims. He also sparked backlash by sharing an AI-generated image depicting a nuclear bomb striking Tel Aviv, warning that he is the only leader capable of protecting Israel if Iran acquires nuclear weapons; Eisenkot called the image 'hysterical'.

Conscription remains a flashpoint, with Netanyahu failing to enforce a Supreme Court ruling requiring ultra-Orthodox men to serve — while others have been drafted ^[1]. Eisenkot supports ending Hamas rule in Gaza within 18 months, via US-led peace efforts or force, and backs West Bank settlements, though he wants to curb extremist settlers. The two-state solution has largely vanished from mainstream discourse.

With Arab parties holding potential influence but most Jewish parties ruling out cooperation, the path to power is fraught ^[1]. Hundreds of thousands of soldiers and reservists will vote, with their ballots delayed until Wednesday — possibly benefiting right-wing factions. A deadlock remains a real fear, with no bloc able to form a government. The story was first reported by BBC News.