Israel braces for pivotal election as Netanyahu faces pressure

· Politics · Israel

Israel holds a general election on Tuesday after three years of regional war, with security and democracy the central issues. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, campaigning on his security record, warned Iran may try to disrupt the vote and said "don't test us." Israeli media reported a confrontation between Netanyahu and military chief Eyal Zamir over Iran, with Zamir said to fear government instructions could trigger immediate escalation. Polls published before a gag period showed neither bloc winning a parliamentary majority. Opponents include Gadi Eisenkot, campaigning on his Moroccan roots in Likud strongholds. The army will close all West Bank land crossings on election day and about 2,000 Hebron residents were evicted after militants killed two Israeli soldiers.

Why it matters：The outcome will shape the future of the Gaza war, Israel's ties with Washington and the trajectory of its democracy after years of turmoil.

Key points

  • Pre-election polls showed neither bloc would win a parliamentary majority.
  • Netanyahu warned Iran may try to disrupt the vote, saying "don't test us".
  • The army will close all West Bank land crossings on election day.

Sources (original reporting)

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