Israel will hold national elections on October 27, the latest date permitted by law. This will be the first national vote since the Hamas-led attacks of October 7, 2023, and the subsequent wars in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran.
The election is widely viewed as a referendum on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his coalition. Netanyahu, 76, who is already Israel's longest-serving prime minister, has confirmed his intention to run for office again in an effort to win another term.
The Knesset is scheduled to end its current term on July 17 and will be dissolved on Friday. With only a few days left in session, the most far-right government in Israel's history is rushing to pass several controversial laws to bolster its position before polling day.