Israelis are voting on Tuesday in a closely watched parliamentary election that could reshape the country's political leadership, security policies and approach to the ongoing conflicts in West Asia. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel's longest-serving leader, is seeking another term amid criticism over the security failures surrounding the Hamas-led October 7, 2023, attack and his handling of the wars that followed.
His principal challenger is former military chief Gadi Eisenkot, whose newly formed centrist Yashar party has emerged as a significant alternative for voters dissatisfied with Netanyahu's leadership. Opinion polls indicate a tight contest, with neither the incumbent's political bloc nor the opposition assured of the 61 seats required to form a government.
Around 7.3 million Israelis are eligible to vote, including more than half a million first-time voters. Surveys suggest that a large majority of young voters identify with centre-right or right-wing politics.
The election is also being shaped by questions of accountability for the October 7 attack, military service exemptions for ultra-Orthodox Jews, the country's security doctrine and Israel's international standing amid prolonged regional conflicts.
Who are the main contenders?
Benjamin Netanyahu: The incumbent seeking another term
Netanyahu, 77, is attempting to extend his tenure as Israel's longest-serving prime minister. His campaign centres on his record on national security, even as he faces questions over the failures that preceded the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack.
The prime minister continues to oppose Palestinian statehood and supports expanding Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. He has also warned that Israel could resume military operations in Gaza if Hamas refuses to disarm.
Netanyahu's government has faced criticism over its response to the October 7 attack, the subsequent wars and its refusal to establish an independent inquiry into the security failures. The issue remains a central concern for voters, alongside the government's position on military service exemptions for ultra-Orthodox men.
Gadi Eisenkot: Former military chief challenges Netanyahu
Eisenkot, a former chief of staff of the Israel Defense Forces, leads the centrist Yashar party. Although relatively new to electoral politics, he has gained traction by presenting himself as an alternative to Netanyahu and appealing to voters seeking a change in leadership.
His comparatively restrained public style contrasts with Netanyahu's approach. However, Eisenkot's positions on security remain hawkish. He opposes Palestinian independence under current conditions and supports Israeli settlements in principle, while pledging to act against violence by Israeli settlers targeting Palestinians.
Eisenkot's challenge comes amid growing demands for accountability over the October 7 attack and disagreements over the country's future security policies.
Naftali Bennett: Former prime minister seeks a comeback
Former prime minister Naftali Bennett is contesting the election at the head of Beyachad, or Together, an electoral alliance with centrist politician Yair Lapid.
Bennett shares Netanyahu's opposition to Palestinian independence and supports Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. However, the two have repeatedly clashed over security matters and Israel's legal system.
The alliance is among the opposition forces seeking to prevent Netanyahu from securing another term, although its ability to contribute to a governing majority will depend on the final distribution of seats.
Itamar Ben-Gvir: Far-right leader could influence government formation
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who heads the far-right Otzma Yehudit, or Jewish Power, party, is another important figure in the contest.
Ben-Gvir has advocated tougher measures against Palestinians. Opinion polls have suggested that his party could win eight or nine seats in the Knesset, making it a potentially significant player in coalition negotiations.
Although he is not a leading contender for prime minister, his support could prove crucial if Netanyahu needs additional partners to assemble a parliamentary majority.
What is at stake in the election?
The vote comes amid continuing instability in West Asia, with conflicts affecting regional security, energy supplies and international trade routes. Israel's next government will face decisions over military strategy, the future of Gaza and relations with neighbouring countries.
Domestic issues are equally significant. Voters are weighing the security failures of October 7, the question of accountability, the military service obligations of ultra-Orthodox men and the government's approach to the country's legal system.
Israel's international relationships are also under scrutiny, including its ties with the United States and criticism of its conduct in Gaza. The outcome could influence how the next government approaches regional diplomacy and efforts to manage the continuing conflicts.
However, the immediate challenge will be forming a government. Pre-election surveys suggest that neither Netanyahu's bloc nor the opposition is likely to win the 61 seats needed to govern independently.
This could leave smaller parties holding the balance of power. Their support may determine the composition of the next coalition and influence its policies on security, religion, the military and the Palestinian issue.
Why India is watching the Israeli election
India is closely monitoring the outcome because of its longstanding strategic partnership with Israel, particularly in defence, technology and security cooperation.
The conflict in West Asia has also raised concerns over energy supplies and maritime trade routes that are important to the Indian economy. Disruptions in the region can affect shipping, trade costs and the movement of energy supplies.
Any change in Israel's leadership or regional security priorities could therefore have implications beyond the country's borders, including for India's diplomatic engagement and strategic interests in West Asia.
How Israel's parliamentary election works
Israel follows a proportional representation system in which voters choose political parties rather than directly electing a prime minister.
The Knesset, Israel's parliament, has 120 seats. A party or coalition needs the support of at least 61 members to command a majority and form a government.
Political parties must secure at least 3.25% of the national vote to qualify for parliamentary representation. Seats are then distributed among eligible parties in proportion to their share of the vote.
Although the Knesset normally serves a four-year term, political disagreements and coalition breakdowns have frequently led to early elections. The 2026 election is scheduled for October 27, following the completion of the current Knesset's statutory term.
When will Israel's election results be announced?
Polling stations are scheduled to open at 7 am local time on Tuesday, equivalent to 9.30 am Indian Standard Time, and close at 10 pm local time, or 12.30 am IST on Wednesday.
Israeli television channels are expected to publish exit polls immediately after voting ends. These projections will offer an initial indication of how the parties have performed, although the official outcome will depend on the counting process.
The final vote tally is expected by October 30, while the results are scheduled to be formally published on November 4.
After the results are announced, President Isaac Herzog will consult political party leaders to determine which candidate has the strongest prospects of securing parliamentary support to form the next government.
The president will then nominate the candidate considered most likely to assemble a majority. Under the process, the nominee will initially have 28 days to form a government, with a possible extension of 14 days, taking the maximum period to 42 days.
The party winning the most seats will not automatically determine who becomes prime minister. If neither political bloc secures a clear majority, negotiations among parties could continue for days or weeks before a coalition is formed.
The outcome will therefore depend not only on the number of seats won by individual parties but also on their willingness and ability to reach agreements with potential coalition partners.