Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, known for his electoral successes, is preparing for reelection amid significant challenges. This election marks the first time he will be judged since the recent violence in Gaza. His party, Likud, is currently polling at a projected 24 seats in the Knesset, facing competition from the centrist Yashar party and the center-right Together alliance, both of which are polling at 21 seats each.
Recent surveys indicate that the opposition bloc may secure 60 seats in the 120-member parliament, while Netanyahu's coalition is projected to hold only 50 seats. A Channel 12 poll earlier this month echoed these findings, showing the anti-Netanyahu bloc at 59 seats compared to the pro-Netanyahu bloc's 51.
Netanyahu had intended to emphasize his close relationship with U.S. President Donald Trump during his campaign. However, disagreements regarding military operations against Iran and Hezbollah have strained this relationship. Trump reportedly expressed frustration over Israel's military actions, stating that Netanyahu needs to be more responsible regarding Lebanon.
Public sentiment in Israel has shifted negatively toward Trump, with a recent poll indicating that approval ratings for the U.S. president have dropped from 58% to 38% within three weeks. Critics of Netanyahu have characterized him as a weak leader, pointing to his failure to dismantle Hezbollah and the perceived inadequacies of his diplomatic efforts with the U.S.
Opposition leaders, including Yashar party leader Gadi Eisenkot and Yair Lapid of the Together alliance, have criticized Netanyahu's handling of foreign relations, suggesting that he should acknowledge his failures. Analysts suggest that while Netanyahu's coalition is vulnerable, he may attempt to pivot his campaign to portray his opponents as left-leaning in an effort to regain support.