There’s a lot at stake in this election: The fallout and questions of political accountability for the attacks of October 7, 2023; mandatory military service for ultra-Orthodox men and sharing the burden of national defense; along with Israel’s standing in the international community. Nowhere can the division within Israeli society be more felt than in debate over Benjamin Netanyahu.
For the past four years, Israel’s long-standing prime minister has led the most right-wing government in the country’s history. He broke with political convention by forming an alliance with ultranationalist politician Itamar Ben-Gvir.
Many Israelis want to see an end to this government. They blame it for the failures surrounding Hamas’ terror attack and for the country’s growing isolation internationally. Many are placing their hopes in Gadi Eisenkot, who has emerged as a leading opposition figure to challenge Netanyahu.