Netanyahu leans on fear and force ahead of Israel's Oct. 27 election
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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is once again casting himself as Israel’s indispensable strongman, trying to turn the Oct. 27 vote into a referendum on security while critics warn that his camp is pushing judicial overhaul, settlement expansion and democratic backsliding.
Israel's longest-serving prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, is centring his campaign for the Oct. 27 election on national security, arguing that only his experience can protect the country after the Oct. 7 Hamas attack that killed about 1,200 people and left 251 hostages.
Netanyahu, 77, says his government has weakened Hamas, Hezbollah and Iran’s military capabilities with U.S. assistance. He rejects accusations that his policies contributed to the Oct. 7 disaster, including claims that he ignored intelligence warnings and bolstered Hamas, despite the growing anger over the failure that unfolded on his watch.
Supporters cite his wartime record, while critics warn that his coalition of nationalist and religious parties seeks to expand settlements, overhaul the judiciary and limit the Supreme Court’s authority, deepening already severe divisions in Israeli society.
"The old status quo is not coming back," said Simcha Rothman, a right-wing politician who helped draft the judicial reforms.
Opponents describe the reforms as a "judicial coup" and fear they could erode democratic checks and balances at the very moment they are most needed.
A centrist bloc led by former IDF chief Gadi Eisenkot is emerging as the main alternative. Eisenkot, who shares Netanyahu’s hard-line security stance, emphasizes a more modest public image and promises to strengthen democratic institutions.
"He's very modest," noted former senior general Giora Inbar, who served with Eisenkot.
Both camps agree on a hawkish security approach and oppose a Palestinian state, but differ on issues such as the role of ultra-Orthodox Jews in the military, integration of Arab citizens and the extent of judicial reform.
Analysts say the election could produce a fragmented Knesset, making coalition building difficult and potentially leading to a caretaker government or another election.
Netanyahu, who faces ongoing corruption trials, has asked President Isaac Herzog for a pardon, arguing that it would allow him to focus on security and national unity.
The campaign has also featured AI-generated ads and a high-profile endorsement from President Donald Trump, who called Netanyahu "strong, brave, and brilliant" on Truth Social. Netanyahu responded, "Donald, we have a job to finish," referring to Iran.
Voters like 30-year-old Dor Dougma say they seek leadership focused on the economy and education, and criticize what they see as Netanyahu’s alignment with American interests over the needs of ordinary Israelis.
The election is viewed by many scholars as the most consequential in Israel's history, with the outcome likely shaping the country’s democratic character, settlement policy and relationship with the Palestinian territories.