As Israel prepares for its Knesset elections on October 27, attention is focused on the possibility of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's re-election. According to the Associated Press, this election is being viewed as a referendum on Netanyahu's leadership.
This election comes three years after Hamas launched a large-scale attack on Israel from the Gaza Strip on October 7, 2023, marking the beginning of the ongoing war. The AP notes that there is little debate among Israeli voters regarding Netanyahu's handling of the war, which has garnered broad support. Israel is currently engaged in conflicts with Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, while also conducting operations against Iran in coordination with the United States.
Controversy in Israeli politics centers around Netanyahu's leadership and morality. Critics point to the failure of Israeli intelligence to anticipate the Hamas attack in 2023, which resulted in numerous kidnappings and casualties. They accuse Netanyahu of obstructing an official investigation into the attack to evade responsibility and of failing to secure a quicker resolution for the release of hostages.
The exemption from military service for ultra-Orthodox men dedicated to religious studies is also a significant issue in this election. In Israel, most Jewish men and women are required to serve in the military. However, the exemption for ultra-Orthodox men has led to growing dissatisfaction among secular voters, who are frequently called up for reserve duty. Each year, 13,000 ultra-Orthodox Jewish men reach military age, but fewer than 10% actually enlist. The ultra-Orthodox community is considered a strong support base for Netanyahu.
Reports have emerged that Netanyahu attempted to persuade U.S. President Donald Trump to conduct airstrikes against Iran before the election. CNN cited Israeli security officials stating that Netanyahu sought Trump's approval for a joint strike but did not receive the green light. The Israeli Prime Minister's office has dismissed these claims as 'fake news.'
In this election, former Israeli military chief Gadi Eisenkot is seen as a strong challenger to Netanyahu, leading the centrist Yashar party. CBS News reported that Eisenkot's son and two nephews were killed in the ongoing war with Hamas.
Exit poll results for the Israeli elections are expected to be released at 10 p.m. local time on October 27. The Jerusalem Post reported that police are preparing for potential clashes or unrest following the announcement of the exit poll results. There are concerns that citizens may react strongly to the election outcomes. On election day, 22,000 police officers will be deployed across Israel, an increase of 5,000 from the last election, with domestic intelligence agency Shin Bet and the Israel Defense Forces also on high alert for any incidents.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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