Israel will hold national elections on October 27, the date set by law, the Knesset said on Sunday. The vote will occur after the current term ends on July 17, allowing the governing coalition to serve a full four‑year term for the first time in decades. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, 76, is seeking re‑election and has said he intends to win. His right‑wing coalition has moved to pass legislation aimed at consolidating support before the ballot.

A poll by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem found that 92% of Israelis believe Iran has won the Middle East war, and Netanyahu’s approval rating fell from 40.5% in March to 29.4% in June. Public criticism has focused on the security failures surrounding the October 7 attacks and on a dispute over mandatory military service for ultra‑Orthodox men. Other issues include judicial reforms initiated before the Gaza war, ongoing corruption trials, and uncertainty about Gaza’s post‑war governance.

Many analysts see the election as a test of his leadership. Netanyahu has said his post‑election government would be a broad national coalition focused on security, aiming to address the Iranian threat and pursue peace agreements with Lebanon and other regional actors.