Israel’s election: Netanyahu faces razor-thin challenge from Eisenkot

Israelis vote Tuesday in their first election since the October 2023 Hamas attacks and subsequent wars, with polls showing challenger Gadi Eisenkot's bloc holding a razor-thin lead over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, potentially ending his long tenure. The election is widely seen as a referendum on Netanyahu, who faces corruption charges and public anger over security failures. However, analysts note over 60% of Jewish Israelis identify as right-wing, meaning either bloc would maintain hawkish policies on Palestine, Iran, and regional conflicts, with both opposing Palestinian statehood. Palestinians largely view the election as irrelevant, citing consistent policies of occupation and settlement expansion under all Israeli governments. Deadlock remains possible, as neither bloc appears able to secure the 61 Knesset seats needed to govern, potentially triggering further elections.