A religious-nationalist current shaping Israel’s politics
Israeli opposition leader Eisenkot has received the mandate to form a government. He is pursuing a national emergency coalition, seeking backing from Likud, Arab parties, and ultra-Orthodox groups while avoiding new elections and addressing security and domestic challenges.
The controversy surrounding Hasan Piker’s remarks has prompted strong responses from Democratic leaders and candidates, underscoring the challenge of unifying diverse voter blocs ahead of midterm-style contests. Piker has faced mounting scrutiny over antisemitism accusations, while candidates emphasize policy concerns like gas, groceries, and healthcare.
A far-right Israeli lawmaker and aides have destroyed a Palestinian monument in Madama under Israeli escort. The move draws widespread condemnation from international observers, Palestinian leaders, and Israeli officials, who say it undermines security and current attempts to defuse tensions.
A Gaza-related photograph at the Deauville Sports Images Festival has been replaced, prompting court intervention. The festival argues the removal was for public order; rights groups vow further action as debates over press freedom and depiction of war intensify. Elsewhere, Israeli political discourse and polling hint at a continuing election stalemate.
Israel’s parties have submitted candidate lists ahead of the 2026 elections. Likud and Religious Zionist Party are among the last to file, while the Joint List also appears on the slate. Polls suggest no single party will secure a majority, and democracy concerns are rising among Israelis amid a shifting political landscape.
Israel has demolished more than 2km of Hezbollah tunnel infrastructure beneath the Ali al‑Taher ridge in southern Lebanon, using over 1,000 tonnes of explosives and creating a blast that registered as a 4.1‑magnitude tremor. The Israeli military says it has established operational control above and below ground and will hold a security zone while continuing strikes when necessary.
A new wave of polls shows no bloc winning a clear 61-seat majority in the 120-seat Knesset. Surveys indicate tightening odds for coalitions and room for potential cross-bloc deals, depending on small party performances ahead of the October vote.
Israel’s prime minister has warned of potential attacks ahead of the elections, while opposition leaders say the warnings are political. Netanyahu’s office says a security briefing has been provided to opposition leader Lapid as polls show a tight race.
A flydubai Boeing 737 MAX 8 has made an emergency landing in Tabuk after a co-pilot attacked the captain and the aircraft plunged thousands of feet. Passengers and crew overpowered the attacker; the captain is hospitalised and investigations are underway. About 150 Israeli passengers were aboard.
A video shows Rabbi Dov Lando, 96, the spiritual leader of Degel HaTorah, condemning Zionism and questioning Israel’s state, while also saying ultra-Orthodox service exemptions are tied to politics. The remarks come three weeks before the October 27 election and add fuel to debates over Haredi military exemptions and the government’s stability.
Arab-Israeli voters are mobilising ahead of the October 27 election, with turnout surging among Palestinian citizens of Israel. Polls suggest Arab lists could be kingmakers, potentially shaping whether Netanyahu or Eisenkot leads the next government. The dynamic is redefining coalition math in a deeply divided Israel.
Israel has held tightly contested elections that have produced a record Arab-led Knesset presence: Ra’am has increased to eight seats and the Joint List to 11, giving Arab parties a combined 19 of 120 seats. Neither Benjamin Netanyahu’s right-wing bloc nor Gadi Eisenkot’s opposition has reached 61 seats, leaving Arab lists with potential leverage over coalition formation.
Israel has held a high-turnout election whose early counts and exit polls have shown Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s bloc and Gadi Eisenkot’s opposition each winning roughly 50–52 Knesset seats, short of the 61 needed to form a government. Arab-led parties have surged to about 17–18 seats and are positioned to hold the balance of power as final results are completed.
Israel’s election has produced no clear winner. Exit polls project Netanyahu’s Likud-led bloc and Eisenkot’s Yashar alliance each short of 61 seats, with Arab parties seen as potential kingmakers. Final results are pending official tallies and coalition talks will determine the next government.
Palestinian citizens in Israel face potential intimidation as Likud and Religious Zionist activists plan to deploy about 2,000 observers to polling stations. Rights groups have filed petitions to ban armed polling officials, citing risk of violence and voter suppression ahead of Election Day.
Final Israeli election results place Likud as the largest party with 27 seats; the anti-Netanyahu bloc trails. Arab parties reach historic high, complicating coalition talks. Turnout holds at 77.9% as Shin Bet probes possible foreign interference. President Herzog will begin consultations with party leaders to designate who will attempt to form the next government.
Israel’s election results have left Netanyahu’s Likud short of a 61-seat majority, with Arab-led parties winning 19 seats. The opposition bloc is weighing alliances, while the Shin Bet and election committee investigate alleged foreign funding connected to Arab groups. Final seat distribution remains uncertain as counting continues and negotiations begin.
Israel's new government talks are under way after Eisenkot is tapped to form a government. Netanyahu has urged unity to confront Iran, while Eisenkot is weighing a minority or coalition approach. Arab-led parties remain a flashpoint as negotiations proceed.