Benjamin Netanyahu to seek re-election in Israel’s first General Election since Hamas Attack

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will seek another term in office in Israel’s upcoming general election, his ruling Likud party confirmed on Wednesday.

In a brief statement, Likud announced that Netanyahu intends to contest the next election and expressed confidence in his victory. Israel is required to hold general elections by October 2026, although the official date has yet to be announced.

The announcement comes amid speculation about Netanyahu’s political future following comments attributed to former US President Donald Trump, who reportedly said he was uncertain whether the veteran Israeli leader planned to continue in politics.

The upcoming election will be Israel’s first national vote since the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas, an event that triggered the Gaza war and significantly reshaped the country's political landscape.

Netanyahu returned to power in December 2022 at the head of one of the most right-wing coalitions in Israel’s history. Since then, his government has faced mounting challenges, including conflicts involving Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran, as well as domestic criticism and anti-government protests.

Recent opinion polls suggest that Netanyahu’s coalition may face difficulties securing a parliamentary majority. A survey released by the Israel Democracy Institute indicated that a majority of respondents believe he should not contest another election.

Despite growing public scrutiny, opposition parties have also struggled to unite around a viable alternative coalition, leaving the political landscape highly competitive ahead of the vote.

Netanyahu remains one of Israel’s longest-serving and most influential political figures, having dominated the country’s political scene for more than a decade. His decision to seek re-election sets the stage for a closely watched contest that could shape Israel’s future domestic and foreign policies.

The election is expected to focus on national security, the aftermath of regional conflicts, economic concerns, and Israel’s diplomatic relations with key global partners.