{
  "id": 16705309,
  "title": "Israelis are voting to choose their next prime minister. Here’s what to know",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/27/israelis-are-voting-to-choose-their-next-prime-minister-heres-what-to",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-27T04:33:44.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Winnipeg Free Press",
    "slug": "winnipeg-free-press",
    "url": "https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/arts-and-life/life/faith/2026/10/26/israelis-are-voting-to-choose-their-next-prime-minister-heres-what-to-know"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Israel is set to vote for its next prime minister, with Benjamin Netanyahu, the country’s longest-serving leader, facing a tough challenge from Gadi Eisenkot, a former military chief of staff. The election is seen as a referendum on Netanyahu's leadership, particularly in the aftermath of the devastating Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack that killed over 1,200 people and resulted in a prolonged conflict.\n\nPolling indicates a close race between the two main candidates, Netanyahu and Eisenkot. However, Israeli voters primarily choose parties, not individuals, and no single party has ever secured a majority in parliament, known as the Knesset. As a result, a coalition government must be formed after the polls close.\n\nThe election is taking place amid ongoing security concerns stemming from the Oct. 7 attack and the broader tensions in Gaza. Jewish Israelis, 68% of whom cite the Oct. 7 attacks as a central factor in their voting decision, are particularly focused on security issues. The religious divide over military service is another key factor, as Netanyahu's coalition historically relies on parties that exempt ultra-Orthodox Jews from conscription.\n\nNetanyahu leads the Likud party, while Eisenkot heads the Yesh atid party. Other prominent candidates include Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid, who have formed a joint ticket, as well as Itamar Ben-Gvir, leader of a far-right ultranationalist party. The Palestinian issue, while significant, is largely absent from the campaigns, with candidates focusing more on domestic issues like crime and security.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [
    "Israelis vote for next prime minister amid security concerns",
    "Benjamin Netanyahu faces Gadi Eisenkot in tight race",
    "Oct. 7 attacks heavily influence voters' security focus"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The contest forces voters to decide between long-term leadership and military oversight while ensuring that security concerns and religious exemptions for ultra-Orthodox Jews dictate the next coalition's composition.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "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."
}