RismadarVoice Reporters
October 27, 2026
Israeli opposition leaders have called for strong voter participation as citizens head to the polls on Tuesday in a parliamentary election that will determine the composition of the next government and the political future of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Former Finance Minister and Yisrael Beiteinu leader Avigdor Lieberman renewed his opposition to Netanyahu’s continued leadership, declaring his determination to bring the prime minister’s tenure to an end.
Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, who leads the Together alliance alongside Yair Lapid, also encouraged Israelis to exercise their voting rights, emphasising the importance of public participation in determining the country’s political direction.
Gadi Eisenkot, a former military chief who leads the Yashar party, presented the election as an opportunity to shape Israel’s future, particularly for younger generations.
The opposition figures have sought to coordinate their efforts despite differences in their political positions. Their campaign has focused on government accountability, national security and the need for changes in political leadership.
Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving prime minister, is seeking to retain power through his Likud party and its political allies.
His campaign has emphasised his administration’s security policies, military operations and relationship with United States President Donald Trump.
The election is Israel’s first parliamentary contest since the October 7, 2023, attacks and the subsequent conflicts involving Gaza and other parts of the Middle East.
National security, military service exemptions, government accountability and the handling of regional conflicts have featured prominently in the campaign.
Under Israel’s electoral system, voters select political party lists rather than directly electing a prime minister.
The 120-member Knesset requires a governing coalition with the support of at least 61 lawmakers.
Polling stations opened at 7 a.m. local time on Tuesday and are scheduled to close at 10 p.m., when initial exit polls are expected.
However, the final composition of the government may remain uncertain until official results are declared and coalition negotiations are completed.
The election will determine whether Netanyahu’s governing alliance can retain parliamentary support or whether opposition parties can negotiate an alternative government.
