Israel Scheduled to Hold Elections on October 27 as Netanyahu's Popularity Plunges

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a visit to Sochi, Russia. (Wikimedia Commons-Kremlin.ru)

JAKARTA - Israel is scheduled to hold national elections (pemilu) on October 27, 2026. This was conveyed by Prime Minister (PM) Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition chief, Ofir Katz.

If realized, this will be Israel's first election since the Zionist state carried out a ground invasion of Gaza, the latest attack on Lebanon, and Iran.

Citing Reuters, Monday, July 13, since the Israeli parliament decided to dissolve in May, the certainty of the election has not yet been made public. Thus, there is a possibility that the vote will be held early.

A number of surveys related to the upcoming Israeli elections have been conducted in a row with the result that Netanyahu's coalition of nationalist and religious parties loses in the vote if it is held during the poll.

The survey results were even when Netanyahu's political rivals still did not have a clear path to power. However, the political landscape in Israel is still dynamic and can change at any time.

Less than a year after Netanyahu's return to power in 2022 as head of Israel's right-wing government to date, Netanyahu's credibility has been shattered by Hamas's surprise attack on October 7, 2023.

Polls show many people are dissatisfied with Netanyahu over the outcome of the war against Iran.

On the one hand, it is very rare for a government leader in Israel to complete a full four-year term. Netanyahu is known to be the longest serving Israeli leader and has proven himself to be unrivaled in surviving in the political arena.