Israel heads to October elections as Knesset dissolves after a historic term
The Knesset will dissolve ahead of Israel’s October 27, 2026 general election—the first full term to run since 1988. Polls point to a tight race between Netanyahu’s Likud and Gadi Eizenkot’s Yashar, with Bennett-Lapid’s Together in the mix; no party is projected to win a majority, making coalition-building pivotal. Key campaign flashpoints include the ultra-Orthodox conscription issue and Israel’s ongoing Gaza wars and broader regional tensions.