Netanyahu's political survival on line as Israel votes

Jerusalem — Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces an uphill battle for political survival in the country's upcoming election on Tuesday. As voters consider his leadership in the wake of Hamas-led attacks in 2023, wars in Gaza and with Iran, and Israel's growing international isolation, the 19-year veteran of political power remains a resilient figure.

With nationalist politics gaining traction and Israel's fragmented political landscape potentially setting him up for a government formation, opinion polls indicate a tight race between Netanyahu's Likud party and allies, along with a rival coalition led by Gadi Eisenkot, a former military chief of staff and staunch security advocate.

The two contenders are vying for power based on Netanyahu's wartime leadership and his alliance with U.S. President Donald Trump, who has publicly endorsed him and supported Israel's military campaign against Iran. Trump has reportedly pledged to take further action to "finally" neutralize the Iranian threat, but only if Netanyahu maintains his position as Prime Minister.

Eisenkot has criticized Netanyahu for relying on a campaign strategy that leans heavily on such promises.