Israel is gearing up for crucial parliamentary elections on October 27, with key figures vying to unseat long-standing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. As tensions in the region escalate, the political landscape is shifting, and several candidates have emerged as prominent contenders.
Gadi Eisenkot: The Military Leader
Gadi Eisenkot, 66, has garnered substantial public sympathy, particularly after personal tragedies during the Gaza conflict, where he lost his son and two nephews. Although he has significant military experience as a former chief of staff, his political journey is relatively new. Eisenkot’s entry into politics began in 2022, collaborating with Benny Gantz, another former army chief. His perspectives on navigating the Israeli-Palestinian conflict remain ambiguous, as he served on Netanyahu’s war cabinet from October 2023 to June 2024 but eventually resigned. Not one to shy away from criticism, he has openly challenged Netanyahu’s wartime strategy and formed his own party, Yashar, in 2025. This new political group includes a diverse range of members, such as the daughter of Gaza hostages and former security agency leaders.
Naftali Bennett: The Returning Politician
Naftali Bennett, 54, is often considered one of Netanyahu’s most formidable rivals. A former prime minister and tech entrepreneur, he has been a significant figure within the nationalist right and settler movements in Israel. Bennett made headlines in 2021 when he unified a politically diverse coalition, combining efforts with an Arab party, thus ending Netanyahu’s long-term grip on power. After stepping back from the limelight, Bennett returned to politics following the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel. Analysts believe his hardline stance on security matters may attract right-leaning voters who feel disillusioned with Netanyahu yet wish to avoid moderating their political stance. By collaborating with Yair Lapid, he aims to optimize their voter base for the upcoming elections.
Yair Lapid: The Media Sensation Turned Politician
Yair Lapid, 62, is another key player in Israel’s elections. Initially a journalist and popular television presenter, he founded the centrist Yesh Atid party in 2012, quickly becoming a significant opponent to Netanyahu. Over the years, Lapid has held various ministerial roles, including finance and foreign minister, and briefly served as prime minister in 2022 due to a power-sharing arrangement with Bennett. His prowess on social media has made him a vocal critic of Netanyahu, particularly amid controversies regarding governmental judicial reforms. Despite his considerable recognition, Lapid struggles to extend his appeal beyond his urban, secular base. Observers suggest that while he may not secure the premiership on his own, a strategic alliance with Bennett could enhance his political influence.
Avigdor Lieberman: The Veteran Nationalist
Avigdor Lieberman, born in Soviet Moldova in 1958, is a seasoned figure in Israeli politics. A former chief of staff to Netanyahu, he played a significant role in the Prime Minister’s initial election success. He later founded the secular nationalist Yisrael Beiteinu party, initially appealing to the Russian-speaking demographic and gradually expanding his platform within the Israeli right. Having held crucial posts, including foreign, defense, and finance minister, Lieberman stands out for his hardline positions on security and his criticisms of Netanyahu, particularly regarding privileges afforded to ultra-Orthodox Jews in Israel. Advocating for military conscription for this group, he represents a voice for change amidst the political turmoil.
As the October elections approach, these candidates are shaping the narrative around governance, security, and national identity in Israel, presenting a range of options for voters navigating a complex political landscape.