{
  "id": 16284873,
  "title": "Who are the key figures in Israel's election and what are their stances on Palestinian statehood?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/24/who-are-the-key-figures-in-israels-election-and-what-are-their-16284873",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-24T05:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National UAE",
    "slug": "the-national-uae",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/2026/10/24/who-are-the-key-figures-in-israels-election-and-what-are-their-stances-on-palestinian-statehood/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In Israel's upcoming election, the most prominent figures are Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former military chief Gadi Eisenkot, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, and opposition leaders Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid. Netanyahu, despite not being projected to win a majority, remains a strong contender due to his extensive experience as a statesman and close relationships with world leaders, particularly US President Donald Trump. He vehemently opposes a Palestinian state and supports the establishment of illegal settlements in the West Bank, which hinders the two-state solution. His coalition partners also advocate for the resettlement of the Gaza Strip.\n\nEisenkot, the front-runner in the opposition, emphasizes military efficiency and has been critical of Netanyahu's leadership. His party focuses on issues such as providing inquiry into the October 7 attacks and ending draft exemptions for ultra-Orthodox Israelis. However, he maintains a cautious stance on illegal settlements and has expressed doubts about Netanyahu's support for a two-state solution.\n\nBen-Gvir, a convicted criminal and National Security Minister, is a rising star in the populist right-wing. He is vehemently opposed to a Palestinian state, advocating for the annexation of the West Bank and the expulsion of Palestinians from Gaza. His views on the two-state solution align with those of Netanyahu.\n\nBennett and Lapid, former prime ministers, have seen their support decline in recent months, making them less influential in the election. Bennett, a former settler leader, is opposed to a Palestinian state and believes in a cautious approach to the two-state solution. Lapid, who initially supported a more moderate view, has recently hardened his stance, echoing Netanyahu's opposition to a Palestinian state.",
  "summary": "Israelis will head to the polls next week in one of the most important elections in their country's history , with potential implications for the entire region. As international recognition of Palestinian statehood grows, who are the main figures and what have they said about the issue? Benjamin Netanyahu Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been the most famous, capable and divisive politician…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 4,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Times of Israel",
        "title": "Israel is primed for unrest around election day. Is there a way out?",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/23/israel-is-primed-for-unrest-around-election-day-is-there-a-way-out",
        "published": "2026-10-23T12:13:51.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Middle East Eye",
        "title": "How Israel’s election is further excluding Palestinian citizens from politics",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/23/how-israels-election-is-further-excluding-palestinian-citizens-from",
        "published": "2026-10-23T13:31:40.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Haaretz",
        "title": "Last polls before Israel's election: Eisenkot ahead, both sides short of a majority",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/24/last-polls-before-israels-election-eisenkot-ahead-both-sides-short-of",
        "published": "2026-10-24T03:21:23.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}