Israel heads into a scheduled October 27, 2026, Knesset election after the current coalition completed a full term, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud-led bloc projected in recent polls to fall short of the 61 seats needed for a majority. Opposition parties, including Gadi Eisenkot’s Yashar, have shown competitive or leading results, though coalition-building remains uncertain due to divisions over partners such as Arab lists or ultra-Orthodox factions. Netanyahu has stated he will remain Likud leader and opposition head if unable to form the next government. Key influences include ongoing public debate over security policy, military draft exemptions, and the war with Iran, alongside the mechanics of post-election coalition negotiations that could determine whether he continues in office or yields power.