How Will Israelis—and History—Judge Benjamin Netanyahu?
Benjamin Netanyahu faces a precarious electoral position in the 2026 general elections as recent polls show Gadi Eisenkot holding a lead. While Netanyahu's bloc has dropped 4 seats in some forecasts, both leading blocs remain short of a majority. The outcome may depend on small parties meeting the minimum vote threshold and the influence of expat voters flying back to cast ballots. Despite the tension, President Isaac Herzog has stated that the elections are not a civil war.
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- ✓ Israel is holding general elections in 2026.
- ✓ Polls show Gadi Eisenkot leading Benjamin Netanyahu in the race for prime minister.
- ✓ Both the Netanyahu and Eisenkot blocs are currently short of a majority.
- ✓ Israeli diplomats have begun the absentee voting process abroad.
What changed
Recent polling indicates Gadi Eisenkot has opened a significant lead over Benjamin Netanyahu.
Live updates
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Eisenkot Leads Netanyahu in 2026 Israeli Election Polls
Benjamin Netanyahu faces a precarious electoral position in the 2026 general elections as recent polls show Gadi Eisenkot holding a lead. While Netanyahu's bloc has dropped 4 seats in some forecasts, both leading blocs remain short of a majority. The outcome may depend on small parties meeting the minimum vote threshold and the influence of expat voters flying back to cast ballots. Despite the tension, President Isaac Herzog has stated that the elections are not a civil war.
Why it matters
The political struggle follows the October 7 attack, which shifted the national mood but left political divisions intact. This election determines whether Netanyahu survives as prime minister or if the opposition can seize power. International observers across Africa and global investors are monitoring the results for regional stability.
What is confirmed
- Israel is holding general elections in 2026.
- Polls show Gadi Eisenkot leading Benjamin Netanyahu in the race for prime minister.
- Both the Netanyahu and Eisenkot blocs are currently short of a majority.
- Israeli diplomats have begun the absentee voting process abroad.
Still unconfirmed
- Chaos is eating away at Netanyahu's electoral bloc.
What to watch next
- Final vote counts for small parties regarding the minimum threshold
- Official results of the 2026 general election
- Coalition government formation negotiations
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (29)
- www.nytimes.com — The New York Times - Breaking News, US News, World News and Videos
- www.foxnews.com — Fox News - Breaking News Updates | Latest News Headlines | Photos...
- Jewish Currents — The Israeli Elections Can’t Save Liberal Zionism
- The New York Times — The Oct. 7 Attack Changed Israel, but Not Its Politics
- Haaretz — Haaretz Today • Israel's election is too close to call. One factor could decide it
- The Jerusalem Post — Israel Election 2026: Guide to Knesset, political parties, coalition governments
- The Times of Israel — Small parties hovering around minimum vote threshold could determine Israel’s election
- The Free Press — How Will Israelis—and History—Judge Benjamin Netanyahu?
- Haaretz — Analysis • Chaos is eating away at Netanyahu's electoral bloc. Can Eisenkot seize the win?
- The Times of Israel — Unless the opposition raises its game, Netanyahu, the PM of Oct. 7, could yet survive this election
- Big News Network.com — ISRAEL-MODIIN-GENERAL ELECTIONS-PREPARATION
- Bloomberg.com — Israel’s Voters Seem More Tired Than Engaged by Crucial Election
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