Israel Polls: Netanyahu Faces Eisenkot Challenge Amid Gaza War, Cost of Living

Israel heads into a crucial parliamentary election for the 26th Knesset, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fighting to retain power amid significant security, political, and economic challenges. Netanyahu faces a major challenge from former Israel Defence Forces chief Gadi Eisenkot. Voters head to the polls weighing key issues, including the Gaza war, security accountability following the 7th of October attack, military conscription policies, and the rising cost of living. Ahead of the vote, United States President Donald Trump endorsed Netanyahu, calling him a warrior prime minister needed to counter Iran. Meanwhile, Netanyahu warned Iran not to disrupt the polling process. Around 7.33 million registered voters are eligible to cast their ballots using paper votes. With 61 seats required to secure a majority in the 120-member Knesset and no single party historically reaching that threshold on its own, coalition arithmetic is set to play a decisive role in determining whether Netanyahu continues in power or faces a government change.