Benjamin Netanyahu Faces Steep Decline Ahead of October 27 Elections

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces a precarious path to retaining power as the country prepares for national elections on October 27. A recent Maariv poll indicates his Likud party may secure only 20 of the 120 Knesset seats, marking a sharp decline from the 2022 results.

Netanyahu faces intense criticism over security failures during the October 7, 2023 attacks, ongoing graft probes involving fraud and bribery, and his administration's controversial judicial policies. While loyalists argue he has strengthened Israel's regional standing and effectively managed conflicts with Iran and its proxies, former supporters are increasingly migrating toward alternatives such as Yair Golan's Democrats or Itamar Ben-Gvir's Jewish Power party.

Political analysts suggest the formation of a unity government is unlikely, as opposing leaders Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid have vowed not to serve under him. Amid this instability, Chief of the General Staff Eyal Zamir noted the possibility that Netanyahu could postpone the elections by initiating hostilities with Iran.