Israel sets October 27 parliamentary elections amid Netanyahu referendum

On October 27, Israel will conduct national elections, the final date permitted by law, which many view as a referendum on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's governance following the outbreak of the Gaza war. The Knesset is scheduled to conclude its current term on July 17, enabling the ruling coalition to achieve a full four-year term for the first time in many years. Current surveys indicate that a majority of Israelis wish to see Netanyahu replaced, with former military leader Gadi Eisenkot positioned as his primary challenger. In recent days, Netanyahu's administration—one of the most right-leaning coalitions in Israel's history—has been hastily advancing various bills to strengthen his alliance ahead of the elections. Last month, Netanyahu expressed his desire to form a broad national government, avoiding reliance on Arab parties.