Israel's election pits Netanyahu against former chief of staff Eisenkot amid war fatigue

Israel is holding a general election this week that many view as the most consequential in decades, with voters deciding between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former military chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot. Netanyahu leads a coalition of far-right, ultranationalist and religious parties, while Eisenkot heads a centre-right opposition that promises more diplomacy and less extremism.

Thousands of Israelis living abroad are returning to cast ballots, as the country does not permit absentee voting. "We almost could have been destroyed on Oct. 7," said Israeli lawyer Shoula Romano-Horing, who flew in from Kansas City, Missouri, "This is why I'm voting for Netanyahu, to make Israel so secure and so safe."

Conversely, Yochai Ben-Haim, a renewable-energy worker in California, expressed distress over the government's actions, stating, "The actions of this government cause Israelis in general and Jews in general to be tagged as, you know, mass killers. This government is led by extremists that do not represent who we are, and we need to change it."

The election follows a period of intense conflict that began with Hamas attacks on Oct. 7, 2023, which killed nearly 1,200 people and took 251 hostages. Netanyahu has denied prior warnings about the attack and has resisted calls for an independent inquiry. Defense analyst Amos Harel said Netanyahu's strategy was to shift blame to security services and the military.

The war in Gaza has resulted in more than 74,000 Palestinian deaths and widespread destruction, prompting international accusations of war crimes. Israeli soldiers, including a 34-year-old sniper commander who asked to remain anonymous, report high rates of post-traumatic stress disorder.

Public opinion remains divided. A July 2025 poll found that 67 % of Israelis were not troubled by Gaza's suffering, and an August poll indicated that 60 % believed there were no innocent people in Gaza. Media coverage of the conflict has also been criticized for focusing on Israeli trauma while neglecting Palestinian casualties.

In the West Bank, settlement expansion has accelerated, with the government approving a record number of new settlements. Former intelligence official Ari Shuali described the situation as "nasty" and "evil," expressing shame at the behavior of some Israelis.

Eisenkot, who lost his son and nephew in the Gaza war, criticized Netanyahu's war management, saying he saw "deep dysfunction" and political considerations outweighing military judgment. He has pledged to launch a national investigation into the Oct. 7 security failure if elected.

The race is tight, and coalition building will be essential for either side to form a government. If no clear majority emerges, a repeat election could be called, potentially leaving Netanyahu in power with full authority.

Analysts note that the election reflects a broader debate within Israeli society about whether to pursue a strategy of deterrence and continued conflict or to seek diplomatic avenues that could restore international acceptance.