Israel will hold a general election on October 27. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's leadership is expected to be tested amid declining approval ratings following the war in Gaza and tensions with Iran.
According to AFP on July 12, the Knesset (Israel's parliament) announced that the current assembly will complete its term by July 17, and the election will take place as scheduled by law on October 27.
The Knesset stated, "Since the current assembly will complete its term and the date for the next election is set by law, there is no need for a dissolution bill to shorten the parliamentary term." This marks the first time in decades that the ruling coalition will complete a full four-year term.
Netanyahu, Israel's longest-serving prime minister, has already announced his candidacy for re-election and expressed confidence in his victory. AFP noted that this election could significantly impact Netanyahu's future political standing.
However, recent polls indicate that public sentiment is not favorable toward Netanyahu. A survey conducted by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem showed his approval rating dropping from 40.5% in early March to 29.4% in June. Over 92% of respondents believe Iran has emerged victorious in the Middle Eastern conflict.
The responsibility for security failures in failing to prevent the surprise attack by the Palestinian militant group Hamas on October 7, 2023, continues to weigh heavily on Netanyahu. Key election issues are expected to include the military service of ultra-Orthodox Jewish men, judicial reforms, ongoing corruption trials, and governance plans for Gaza post-conflict.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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