Israel’s upcoming election on October 27 is expected to result in the likely ouster of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose approval ratings have declined significantly. Opposition parties, although divided, remain the main contenders to form a new government. However, analysts and observers caution that merely replacing Netanyahu will not address the deeper challenges facing the country.

Many opposition leaders have focused on promises of improved governance and national unity. Some have proposed establishing a state commission of inquiry into the failures surrounding the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks and ending the exemption from military service granted to many ultra-Orthodox Jewish men. Yet critics contend that more fundamental reforms are necessary to restore public trust and social cohesion.

The events of October 7, which included a prolonged hostage crisis, plunged many Israelis into a crisis of confidence in the state itself. An independent investigation into the government’s handling of the attack is widely seen as essential for accountability and societal healing. Israel also faces ongoing tensions related to military service, as hundreds of thousands of reservists have been called to serve for extended periods, sustaining thousands of casualties. Meanwhile, defense spending has increased at the expense of social services, exacerbating divisions within Israeli society.

Longstanding debates over Israel’s identity and democratic future have intensified in recent years. The country lacks a formal written constitution and does not have a law guaranteeing equal rights to all its citizens. Over the past decade and a half, democratic institutions have come under growing strain, culminating in 2023 with government efforts led by Netanyahu to weaken judicial independence. This political assault on the judiciary triggered widespread concern about the erosion of democratic norms.

Some experts link these political developments to shifts in Israeli education. A former education correspondent noted that civics curricula adopted in 2016 place greater emphasis on Jewish identity and state power while giving limited attention to human rights, civil liberties, or equality for all citizens. This educational approach may contribute to the declining prominence of Palestinian self-determination in Israeli public discourse.

The Israeli government under Netanyahu has pursued policies aimed at consolidating permanent control over occupied Palestinian territories, including expanding settlements and advancing annexation efforts. These measures have been accompanied by attempts to dismantle institutional checks on executive authority, further polarizing Israeli society.

Observers agree that meaningful progress for Israel depends on addressing these fundamental issues, including reexamining the country’s social ethos and educational priorities. Advocates for change argue that fostering respect for minority rights and embracing democratic values could ultimately render the occupation incompatible with Israel’s self-identity as a democratic state.

However, such reforms face significant obstacles. Many right-wing Israelis and ordinary citizens, influenced by years of security concerns, oppose moves perceived as favoring Palestinian independence. Opposition leaders have yet to articulate a clear vision for implementing these deeper changes, which are seen as urgent by many analysts.

If Netanyahu retains power or the election results in a stalemate, substantive reform is unlikely to occur. An opposition win, while a necessary step, would mark the beginning rather than the culmination of efforts to address Israel’s democratic and social challenges and to redefine its future relationship with Palestinians.