Israel’s Oct. 27 election is testing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s security pitch after Hamas’ 2023 assault exposed failures that rival Gadi Eisenkot has made central to his challenge, AFP reported.
Netanyahu, 77, is making Israel’s military record since the attack a major part of his bid for another term. He has pointed to operations against Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, along with two Israeli attacks on Iran, AFP reported.
Netanyahu’s campaign has used the slogan “Either the Right or Palestine” on posters around the country, according to AFP. It has warned that an opposition victory might lead to a Palestinian state, which a majority of Israelis oppose, and highlighted U.S. President Donald Trump’s endorsement.
Netanyahu has long opposed a Palestinian state and backed annexing parts of the occupied West Bank, while supporting measures to expand Israeli settlements there, AFP reported. The agency said the settlements are considered illegal under international law.
Netanyahu ordered a lockdown across the West Bank after a Friday shooting near Hebron in which Palestinian gunmen wounded five Israelis, AFP reported. He vowed to pursue Hamas terrorists everywhere, saying, “You have no place to hide.”
Polls put Netanyahu and Eisenkot close, while Netanyahu is unlikely to form a government on his own, AFP reported. Eisenkot, a former army chief, has said Netanyahu is “unfit to remain in office,” a criticism he made to public broadcaster Kan, according to AFP.
Netanyahu’s campaign is unfolding alongside a long-running corruption trial, AFP reported. The agency said Israel’s multi-front conflict has lasted three years. Netanyahu’s supporters regard his military response as a display of resolve, while critics say the fighting has prolonged conflict and harmed Israel’s standing abroad, AFP reported.
Netanyahu first became prime minister in 1996 and served until 1999. He returned to the post in 2009, remained until 2021 and took office again in late 2022, AFP reported. He entered parliament in 1988 and became Likud leader in 1993.
Israeli voters are scheduled to cast ballots Tuesday, Oct. 27.
