A look at major candidates in Israel's election

As Israeli citizens prepare to cast their votes in the upcoming election, three main candidates are vying for control of the government. First, Benjamin Netanyahu, 77, is the longest-serving prime minister and the most influential figure in Israeli politics. Despite facing allegations of war crimes and corruption, Netanyahu remains a dominant force, supported by his close ties with U.S. President Donald Trump and his strong record on security and the economy.

However, critics accuse him of mishandling the aftermath of the Oct. 7, 2023 attack, which remains the deadliest in Israeli history.

Next, Gadi Eisenkot, 66, comes from a working-class Moroccan Jewish background and has risen through the ranks of the Israeli military. Leading the centrist Yashar! party, Eisenkot's family members were killed in the Oct. 7 attacks, fueling his desire to serve as a moderate alternative to Netanyahu. Eisenkot is credited with developing Israel's "Dahiyeh Doctrine," which calls for using excessive force against militant launchpads. If successful, he could be the first Israeli prime minister of Mizrahi descent.

Naftali Bennett, 54, is the right-wing and religious leader of a joint ticket with Yair Lapid. Opposing Palestinian independence and supporting settlement-building in the West Bank, Bennett is known for his hard stance against the Palestinians. However, he has a complex relationship with Netanyahu, with whom he briefly served as prime minister. Bennett's opposition to Netanyahu's handling of security issues has fueled his bid for the prime ministership.

Lastly, Itamar Ben-Gvir, 50, is the far-right national security minister and leader of Otzma Yehudit (Jewish Power). With multiple convictions for supporting terrorist organizations, Ben-Gvir's party gained recognition for defending right-wing extremists accused of violence against Palestinians. Ben-Gvir has proposed the voluntary emigration of approximately 2 million Palestinians from Gaza, advocating for the rebuilding of Jewish settlements in the region.