Just days before Israel’s October 27 legislative election, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu received a high-profile endorsement from former U.S. President Donald Trump. Netanyahu celebrated the backing with a tweet expressing determination to “complete the mission,” and his campaign released a video highlighting Trump’s past praise. However, amid a deeply divided electorate, security concerns stemming from the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack have overshadowed the endorsement’s impact on voters.
The October 7 massacre, which resulted in the deaths of over 100 civilians and the abduction of dozens more, remains a central issue in the election. The attack exposed significant intelligence and military failures, raising questions about Netanyahu’s leadership and responsibility. While his supporters tend to blame the Israeli military and intelligence agencies, critics argue Netanyahu should be held accountable regardless of his prior knowledge.
In the kibbutz of Be’eri, one of the sites targeted during the attack where 101 civilians were killed, Australian-Israeli Danny Mazjner voiced frustration that Netanyahu remains in power, despite the failure that claimed his sister’s life. “He should have resigned immediately,” Mazjner said. Conversely, supporters like Israeli-Australian Yitro Ahseri from the West Bank settlement of Itamar believe Netanyahu is the leader best equipped to ensure security, citing the military’s response since the attack as proof of his capability. Similarly, residents of Ashdod, near the border of the attack zone, see Netanyahu as the only figure capable of preventing future assaults.
Israel’s security concerns dominate the campaign debate, given the ongoing conflicts on multiple fronts, including confrontations with Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon. The army’s recent successes in degrading militant capabilities have bolstered Netanyahu’s image among some voters, even as others question his role in enabling Hamas’s rise, particularly through Qatar’s financial support.
Netanyahu faces a formidable challenger in Gadi Eisenkot, former chief of staff of the Israeli Defense Forces and leader of the Yashar! (Straight) Party. Although not as charismatic as Netanyahu, Eisenkot's extensive military background and reputation for integrity appeal to many voters seeking unity and honest leadership. Notably, Eisenkot’s personal loss—his son was killed fighting in the Gaza conflict—adds emotional weight to his security credentials. He stands apart by pledging an independent inquiry into the October 7 events, a move Netanyahu has opposed, fueling speculation about the prime minister’s responsibility.
The military’s failures before October 7 are well documented. Senior officers reportedly dismissed warnings from border observation posts and focused intelligence resources on the Lebanese front amid Hezbollah threats. Additionally, Israeli officials acknowledge a complacency regarding Gaza militants prior to the attack. Nonetheless, allegations have emerged that Netanyahu received prior warnings from foreign intelligence chiefs about impending Hamas operations, which he denies. These claims have surfaced in a lawsuit by Ronen Bar, the former head of Israel’s internal security agency Shin Bet, accusing Netanyahu of ignoring a series of warnings and contributing to a policy of “containment” that financially supported Hamas.
Public sentiment reflects deep divisions. Protests in Tel Aviv express resentment toward Netanyahu’s refusal to shoulder responsibility. Yet polls show a near tie between Netanyahu’s Likud and Eisenkot’s bloc, with no clear majority anticipated. Analysts suggest Netanyahu’s narrative—crediting military achievements since October 7—resonates with voters, even as Eisenkot’s campaign struggles to galvanize similar momentum.
Some observers argue Eisenkot’s reluctance to emphasize his military expertise has allowed Netanyahu to monopolize the security discourse. Recently, Eisenkot promised that a future government led by him would dismantle Hamas’s military leadership within 18 months, but he has provided few details since. Netanyahu’s supporters remain confident in his leadership, pointing to past successes to bolster their trust.
As Israelis prepare to vote amid ongoing security threats, the election is widely seen as a referendum on who can best protect the country’s future—an uncertain choice in a nation still grappling with the trauma of October 7 and the volatile regional landscape.