As Israel prepares for elections on October 27, analysts suggest that Benjamin Netanyahu's most significant domestic legacy may be the right-wing opposition he faces. During a recent speech at the UN General Assembly, Netanyahu encountered a walkout from delegates protesting his presence, yet he responded defiantly, urging any remaining 'moral cowards' to leave. Supporters in Israel viewed this as a strong stance. Mitchell Barak, a former aide to Netanyahu, noted that many Israelis see him as the only leader capable of representing their interests.
The upcoming election presents a choice between Netanyahu and various rivals who share little common ground except their opposition to him. Netanyahu, who has served multiple terms as prime minister, is currently facing charges from the International Criminal Court related to actions in Gaza.
Born in Tel Aviv in 1949, Netanyahu's political career began in the 1980s, and he became Israel's youngest prime minister in 1996. His tenure has been marked by accusations of fostering division for political gain. Political analyst Nimrod Flaschenberg described Netanyahu as a figure who embodies Israel's political polarization, adept at shaping public opinion.
Under his leadership, Israel has moved further right, distancing itself from a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and witnessing an increase in settlement expansion in the West Bank. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported significant violence in the region, with over 1,000 Palestinians killed since October 7, 2023.
Netanyahu's coalition includes controversial figures like National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, both known for their hardline stances. Critics, including outgoing parliamentarian Aida Touma-Sliman, argue that Netanyahu has exacerbated issues of racism and extremism in Israeli politics.
Netanyahu's ongoing legal troubles and proposed judicial reforms have sparked widespread protests. While recent polls indicate a decline in support for his Likud party, which won 32 seats in the 2022 election, the anti-Netanyahu bloc has yet to unify under a single leader, though former army chief Gadi Eisenkot is a potential candidate.
Barak emphasized that Netanyahu is effectively running unopposed, facing a coalition of opponents rather than a single strong challenger. Critics have pointed out perceived double standards in the electoral process, particularly regarding the exclusion of certain candidates.
While Netanyahu's supporters view him as a necessary leader, his opponents see him as a symbol of corruption and failure. Analysts suggest that his ultimate legacy may be the rightward shift of the opposition, with all main contenders reflecting similar militaristic and nationalist ideologies. Flaschenberg noted that Netanyahu's legacy may ultimately be defined by the nature of the opposition he has helped create.