Netanyahu fighting for his political life in Israeli election
Israelis voted in one of the most important elections on Tuesday, with the potential to oust Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and help shape the future of the war with Iran, the Gaza Strip and America's relationship with the Middle East. Matt Gutman reports from Tel Aviv.
Jerusalem, October 28 — Opposition candidate Gadi Eisenkot vowed on Wednesday to swiftly form a government, claiming voters had rejected Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's divisive rule. However, neither Eisenkot's opposition bloc nor Netanyahu's hard-right camp secured a majority in the first election since the October 7 attack.
Exit polls indicated Eisenkot and his opponents were neck and neck with Netanyahu, with the highest voter turnout in years. Eisenkot, a former military chief with no prior political experience, warned Netanyahu against using Israel's security for political gains. The opposition secured a significant number of seats, particularly from Arab Israeli parties.
Arab lawmakers could potentially support Eisenkot's minority government without joining a coalition. If not, Israel may face new elections. The divisive election was held against the backdrop of the October 7 Hamas attack, regional wars, and Netanyahu facing potential arrest and corruption charges. Eisenkot, as the first prime minister of Middle Eastern or North African descent, aims to usher in change.
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