Netanyahu faces decisive election test after Oct. 7 attacks

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces a critical electoral test on Tuesday, with his party running neck-and-neck against rival Gadi Eisenkot in Israel's first nationwide election since the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attacks. The election serves as a referendum on Netanyahu's leadership following the deadliest day in Israel's history, which killed 1,195 people and triggered three years of multi-front war. Netanyahu, facing criminal charges and an ICC arrest warrant, opposes an independent inquiry into the attacks, while Eisenkot supports one and vows to remove Hamas from power within 18 months. Polls show Eisenkot's Yashar party leading with 23 seats to Likud's 19, though coalition negotiations will determine the next government. The vote also addresses issues including Haredi military conscription exemptions, inflation, and Palestinian-Israeli concerns over organized crime.