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TEL AVIV, ISRAEL — Campaign banners bearing the faces of Israel’s political leaders cover buildings and roadsides, while in homes, coffee shops and family gatherings, the same question dominates conversations: Will Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remain in power?

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With Israelis heading to the polls Tuesday, the country is bracing for a closely contested election that could end in another political deadlock. But this vote is unlike any other in Israel’s recent history.

For many Israelis, the election has become a referendum on accountability for the failures that allowed Hamas terrorists to carry out the Oct. 7, 2023, massacre — the deadliest attack in Israel’s history.

TRUMP SAYS NETANYAHU NEEDS TO BE RE-ELECTED, OR ELSE US WILL HAVE TO ‘FINISH THE JOB’ AGAINST IRAN ALONE

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Former Israeli military chief Gadi Eisenkot attends an event for his Yashar party, ahead of Israel’s national election in Tel Aviv, Israel, October 25, 2026. (Ronen Zvulun/Reuters)

Netanyahu, who has dominated Israeli politics for decades, has resisted calls to accept personal responsibility for the security failures and establish an independent state commission of inquiry. His government instead sought a politically appointed investigation, a proposal fiercely opposed by many bereaved families.

Yet Israel’s divisions began long before Oct. 7.

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In the months preceding the attacks, hundreds of thousands of Israelis took to the streets to protest Netanyahu’s proposed judicial overhaul, which critics argued would undermine the country’s democracy. The confrontation spilled into the military, where reservists threatened to suspend volunteer service, raising alarms about Israel’s preparedness. Some critics have argued that the turmoil projected weakness to the country’s enemies, although the extent to which it influenced Hamas’s decision to attack remains disputed.

Three years after the massacre, those divisions have only deepened, transforming Tuesday’s vote into something intensely personal. Political allegiances have strained friendships and divided families, with much of the national debate reduced to a single question: Are you for Netanyahu, widely known as «Bibi,» or against him?

DANNY DANON: FROM OCT 7 TO FLIGHT 1073: THE RESILIENCE THAT KEEPS ISRAEL STANDING

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A boy sits on his bicycle next to a campaign banner of Netanyahu’s Likud party, ahead of the Israeli parliamentary election, in Bnei Brak, Israel, October 25, 2026. (Nir Elias/Reuters)

For some families who lost loved ones on Oct. 7, the answer is painfully clear.

Shir Shai, whose brother Yaron Shai, an Israeli soldier, was killed battling Hamas terrorists that day, delivered a stark message to those considering another vote for Netanyahu.

«If you nevertheless decide to vote again for the man who brought disaster upon us and his accomplices, I have one personal request: Don’t come here anymore,» Shai said over her brother’s grave in his memorial ceremony on October 7

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«You still have 20 days to be part of the process of putting things right. But if you choose to perpetuate the failure rather than honor the fallen, it would be better if you stayed home next year,» she added.

NETANYAHU PRAISES TRUMP’S ‘WICKED SENSE OF HUMOR,’ DEFENDS IRONCLAD ALLIANCE AHEAD OF HISTORIC ISRAEL VOTE

A woman looks on as people attend a rally to demand the establishment of an independent state commission of inquiry into the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attacks and the events leading up to them, ahead of Israel’s parliamentary election on October 27, in Tel Aviv, Israel, October 24, 2026. (Nir Elias/Reuters)

Yet other bereaved families have reached the opposite conclusion, crediting Netanyahu with standing firm through years of war on multiple fronts and arguing that Israel’s military and intelligence establishment bears the principal responsibility for failing to anticipate the Hamas assault.

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The deeply polarized atmosphere has been intensified by an increasingly bitter campaign. Just two days before the election, Netanyahu shared an AI-generated image depicting a nuclear explosion over Tel Aviv, warning of the existential threat posed by Iran if the country elects a leader unable to confront Tehran.

Concerns now extend beyond the election results themselves. Israeli police are preparing for possible unrest after the polls close, while experts have warned about the potential for disputes over the legitimacy of the results — including an extreme scenario resembling the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.

With the opposition united in its ambition to replace Netanyahu but divided over how to govern afterward, neither political bloc is assured of a parliamentary majority and the final outcome could take weeks to determine.

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When do polls open and close?

Israelis will vote Tuesday, Oct. 27, with most polling stations opening at 7 a.m. and closing at 10 p.m. local time.

Election Day is a national holiday in Israel, giving voters the opportunity to cast their ballots. Some smaller communities and special polling locations operate on different schedules.

Eligible voters must be Israeli citizens at least 18 years old and generally vote at their assigned polling station. Most Israelis living abroad cannot vote remotely, although exceptions apply to certain official representatives overseas.

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How does Israel’s election system work?

Israel has a parliamentary system in which voters select a political party rather than an individual candidate for prime minister.

The country’s parliament, known as the Knesset, has 120 seats, distributed through a system of nationwide proportional representation.

Each party submits a ranked list of candidates, and the number of seats it receives depends on its share of the national vote.

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To enter parliament, a party must win at least 3.25% of the valid votes. Parties falling below that threshold receive no seats, potentially changing the balance between rival political blocs.

IRAN IS TRYING TO ‘CREATE A ROT FROM WITHIN’ THROUGH ‘INFORMATION WARFARE,’ ANALYST WARNS

Yair Golan of the Democrats party speaks during a rally to demand the establishment of an independent state commission of inquiry into the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attacks and the events leading up to them, ahead of Israel’s parliamentary election on October 27, in Tel Aviv, Israel October 24, 2026. (Kevin Coombs/Reuters)

When will election results be announced?

Israel’s major television networks are expected to release exit polls immediately after voting ends at 10 p.m. Tuesday (4 p.m. EST).

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Those projections will provide the first indication of how many seats each party may win and whether Netanyahu or his rivals appear better positioned to assemble a coalition.

But exit polls are not official results, and even small differences in the final vote could determine whether parties cross the electoral threshold.

Actual vote counts will emerge as ballots are counted, with preliminary results developing after polls close and over the following days.

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Israel’s Central Elections Committee has scheduled the publication of official results for Wednesday, Nov. 4 , eight days after the election.

Who are the main candidates?

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, 77, leads the conservative right-wing Likud party and is seeking to extend his record tenure as Israel’s longest-serving prime minister.

His main challenger is Gadi Eisenkot, 66, a former chief of staff of the Israel Defense Forces who leads the centrist Yashar party and has positioned himself as an alternative to Netanyahu’s leadership.

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Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, 54, is also seeking a political comeback, running on a joint ticket with former Prime Minister Yair Lapid.

Other significant political figures include former Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman, Democrats leader Yair Golan, and Netanyahu’s right-wing populist allies Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich.

Arab political parties, including Ra’am and the Joint List, could also play a crucial role in determining the final parliamentary balance.

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How many seats does a party need to win?

The key number in Israeli politics is 61 — a majority of the 120-seat Knesset.

No single Israeli party has ever won enough seats to control parliament alone, meaning parties generally need to form coalitions with other political factions.

This means the party that wins the most seats does not automatically get to lead the government.

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Instead, the decisive question is which political leader can secure enough parliamentary support to govern.

How is Israel’s next prime minister chosen?

Once the official results are published, Israeli President Isaac Herzog will consult representatives of the newly elected parliamentary factions.

Within seven days, the president must assign a member of the Knesset the task of forming a government.

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The president generally selects the politician considered most likely to assemble a governing coalition, who is not necessarily the leader of the largest party.

That candidate initially has 28 days to reach agreements with other parties, with the possibility of an extension of up to 14 additional days.

The proposed government must then win a confidence vote in the Knesset before taking office.

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What happens if nobody can form a government?

If the first candidate fails, the president can ask another lawmaker to attempt to form a government, giving that person 28 days without an extension.

If that effort also fails, a majority of 61 lawmakers can request that another candidate be given 14 days to try.

If no government emerges, Israel could face another national election.

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Coalition negotiations can take weeks or months. According to the Israel Democracy Institute, the process of forming an Israeli government has historically taken between 20 and 100 days.

Until a new government is sworn in, the outgoing government remains in office.

Why is this election particularly consequential?

Tuesday’s vote is the first national election since the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas-led attacks, which triggered the war in Gaza and raised profound questions about Israel’s security leadership.

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Beyond Netanyahu’s political future, the next government will face decisions over Israel’s national security, the future of Gaza, military conscription, relations with the United States and the country’s regional diplomatic relationships.

With pre-election polling showing no clear path to a parliamentary majority for either major political bloc, the contest could remain unresolved long after Tuesday’s votes are counted.

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Efrat (Effie) Lachter is a reporter for Fox News Digital with more than 15 years of experience covering conflict, global affairs, human rights and political accountability. She has directed and produced more than 200 documentary segments across more than 40 countries, documenting conflicts, humanitarian crises, corruption, human trafficking, gender-based violence and the human stories behind major world events. 

Lachter’s reporting has taken her into conflict zones and crisis areas across the Middle East, Europe, Asia and Africa. Her work has included uncovering human trafficking networks, revealing an ISIS underground torture prison in Syria, documenting the war in Ukraine and interviewing senior political figures and world leaders. She was also among the Western journalists who entered Russia after the war began to bring testimonies from Putin’s opposition. Lachter is the recipient of the 2022 Peres Center for Peace Award and was a 2023–2024 Knight-Wallace Journalism Fellow at the University of Michigan. She also won two Rockower Awards for Excellence in Reporting. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communication and a master’s degree in political science.

israel, elections, benjamin netanyahu, politics, world

Former President Barack Obama is increasingly throwing his political weight behind socialist and socialist-aligned Democrats as the party’s left wing gains ground ahead of the midterm elections.

Democratic Socialists of America-backed candidates have scored several notable primary victories this year, adding to signs of the left wing’s growing influence in Democratic politics ahead of November’s midterms. While Obama is not backing every socialist candidate, his recent endorsements and campaign appearances show he is willing to bring some of the party’s most progressive figures into the Democratic coalition.

«President Obama remains the most popular figure in Democratic politics and a kingmaker whose support candidates actively seek,» Democratic strategist Kevin Walling told Digital of the president who left office nearly a decade ago. «He understands that a Democrat who can win in New York City and a Democrat who can win in Michigan and Ohio have different politics, and the ability to bring those people into the same coalition is exactly what makes him so valuable.»

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Obama’s embrace of the party’s progressive wing was on display Saturday in Michigan, where he campaigned alongside Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed, while also lending his support to Florida Senate nominee Angie Nixon in a campaign video.

While El-Sayed does not identify as a democratic socialist or a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, he has embraced progressive policies, including Medicare for All, that have become central to the party’s left wing.

During the Michigan rally, Obama invoked healthcare to defend Democrats against accusations that the party has moved too far to the left.

«What is so radical about wanting everybody to have health care?» Obama asked, as he promoted El-Sayed’s pledge to expand access to affordable coverage.

Obama’s comments prompted critics to revisit his own Obamacare-era promises and question the affordability of health care under his signature law. One X commenter sarcastically asked, «I thought someone fixed health care. What happened?» Another responded, «Who’s going to tell him?»

Obama praised Nixon for championing a $15 minimum wage and opposing Republican-backed congressional redistricting maps, calling her a leader «willing to stand up again and again for what’s right» who would make «an outstanding U.S. Senator.»

Nixon, a DSA member, is campaigning on Medicare for All, universal child care, rent protections and higher taxes on billionaires.

The former president has also campaigned with Texas Senate candidate James Talarico, whom Republicans have branded a democratic socialist. Talarico has emphasized economic populism, universal health care, stronger unions and campaign-finance restrictions, but does not identify as a socialist.

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Obama’s outreach comes amid a series of primary victories by democratic socialists and other left-wing challengers this year. In Colorado, Melat Kiros defeated longtime Democratic Rep. Diana DeGette, while Donavan McKinney ousted Rep. Shri Thanedar in Michigan. Socialist-backed candidates also won congressional primaries in New York, building on Zohran Mamdani’s 2025 mayoral victory.

Obama’s support for the party’s socialist left is not new. The former president endorsed Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in her 2018 congressional race and former Rep. Jamaal Bowman in 2020, both of whom received backing from the Democratic Socialists of America.

Obama’s public praise of figures tied to communist movements also extends beyond his current campaign allies.

He has repeatedly celebrated Nelson Mandela, who had documented ties to South Africa’s Communist Party, and wrote warmly in «Dreams from My Father» about Frank Marshall Davis, a former Communist Party USA figure who served as a mentor during Obama’s youth.

Obama also reached out to Mamdani during his 2025 campaign for New York City mayor, praising the democratic socialist’s campaign and offering to serve as a sounding board without formally endorsing his candidacy.

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Democratic strategist Mally Smith defended Obama’s campaign activity, arguing that his support reflects an effort to build a broad coalition rather than a wholesale endorsement of every progressive policy.

«President Obama is, by far, the most popular politician in America. He is traveling around the country supporting Democrats from across the party,» Smith told Digital. «He understands we need a big-tent coalition, and that is why he is helping Democrats as diverse as Josh Turek in Iowa to El-Sayed in Michigan.»

«The Republicans have no equivalent when it comes to Obama’s broad appeal across the electorate,» Smith said. «They are stuck with Trump, who is on a red-state desperation tour because he can’t step foot in any swing state since at-risk Republicans don’t want to be anywhere near him.»

At a campaign rally in Kansas, President Trump called Obama «a rotten president,» while dismissing his planned appearance with El-Sayed.

«I love Michigan. I don’t believe that Michigan values are gonna allow this guy to get in. He’s an arrogant guy. But Barack Hussein Obama is going up there to help him campaign,» said Trump.

WHO IS ANGIE NIXON? BULLHORN-WIELDING SOCIALIST UPSETS ESTABLISHMENT FAVORITE IN SUNSHINE STATE STUNNER

Walling said Obama’s strength comes from his ability to support candidates with different political profiles while keeping them under the same Democratic umbrella.

«The former president doesn’t ask which wing of the party a nominee comes from. He asks whether they can win, and he’s helping Democrats build a party broad enough to compete to do just that,» Walling said.

Obama’s return to the campaign trail comes as Democrats debate whether the party can turn the energy of its socialist and progressive movements into a national coalition — and whether candidates backed by the party’s left can win beyond deep-blue cities and districts.

Digital reached out to Obama’s office for comment but did not immediately receive a reply. 

barack obama, politics, democratic party, rise of socialism, democrats elections, democrats senate, abdul el sayed, zohran mamdani

Voters in the battleground state of Pennsylvania tell Digital they are driven at the ballot box by a desire to rein in President Donald Trump and his administration’s agenda.

While many voting in next Tuesday’s midterm elections in the Keystone State don’t trust Democrats, they are willing to give them a chance to change the trajectory of the country on a myriad of issues — including affordability and rising prices, the Iran war and corruption in Washington, D.C.

«I didn’t say I trusted the Democrats,» Tomas from Doylestown, Pennsylvania, said when asked if he felt the opposition party would do better than the current one in power.

«I’m just gonna vote for them because [Trump] is just taking us down the tubes.»

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Clay, another Pennsylvania voter, told Digital, «I don’t,» when asked why he trusts Democrats to tackle affordability better than Republicans.

«The party that we’re currently working with is so f—ed up, we might as well change it. I don’t trust the Democrats though,» he added.

Voters in Delaware County and Bucks County were pressed on the issue of affordability and whether Democrats would be better equipped to address bringing prices down, particularly after inflation surged during former President Joe Biden’s administration.

«Republicans have showed in the past two years that they really have made things worse,» Chris from Doylestown said when asked if he believes Democrats will bring down prices. «Gas is way up, the energy is way up, food’s way up. There’s nothing that’s cheaper, so they can’t argue that.»

«I mean, Donald Trump’s in office, how much worse can it get?» he went on. «Telling me that it can get worse than this? It’s the worst it’s ever been. You think that by having… Democrats in office… that somehow it’s gonna make things go even higher? I don’t think so.»

The results in Pennsylvania will play a key role in the battle for control of Congress, with Republicans fighting to maintain their majorities as Trump works to rally voters behind Republican candidates.

The outcome of the midterm elections, just eight days away, could have major implications for the remainder of Trump’s presidency, with a Democratic takeover of either chamber threatening to complicate his efforts to push his agenda through Congress.

POLL: SQUEEZED BY COSTS, FRUSTRATED VOTERS TURN TO THE DEMOCRATS

Many who spoke with Digital had broader reasons to vote Democrat in next week’s midterms.

«We have a mentally ill president,» Nancy from Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, said. «We have a ball-less GOP party who will not rein him in.»

«I am voting for the Democratic congressional slate,» Tom from Media, Pennsylvania, said. «I really think that Donald Trump has not been good for our country, and we sort of need to… slow down what he’s doing.»

«I am voting straight Democrat,» a voter Digital spoke with named Bill said. «And the reason why is because the Republican Party refuses to stand up to the fascist actions of Donald Trump.»

BERNIE SANDERS ADMITS DEMOCRATS FAILED WORKING-CLASS VOTERS ON ECONOMICS, DRIVING THEM TO DONALD TRUMP

Another voter shared that affordability was not one of his concerns heading into the elections, instead citing issues more important to him, such as handling immigration and the renaming of the Kennedy Center.

He continued, «I’m concerned about things like ICE (Immigrations and Customs Enforcement). I’m concerned about the Kennedy Center. I’m very concerned about Ukraine. Those are the things which make me want to vote for the Democrats.»

Some blamed COVID-19 for higher inflation during Biden’s presidency, citing the inflation rate trending downward toward the end of his term.

«No doubt about it Biden… overshot in trying to orchestrate the recovery from COVID,» said Tom.

But he doubled down that despite his perceived errors with a Democrat in office, he believes the Trump administration’s policies pose larger threats to the nation.

«I think that the Trump administration is doing more institutional changes in government that are going to be harder to overcome rather than just stopping spending money.»

Pennsylvania is home to several closely watched congressional races, including in Bucks County, where Digital interviewed voters.

Cook Political Report recently shifted Republican Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick’s race against Democratic challenger Bob Harvie in the 1st Congressional District from «Likely Republican» to «Lean Republican,» signaling a more competitive contest as Election Day approaches.

midterm elections, battleground voters, democratic party, donald trump, pennsylvania, politics