Benjamin Netanyahu, the longest-serving Prime Minister in Israel's history, now finds himself on the brink of a pivotal election. He hopes to regain power for the seventh time by winning the parliamentary elections on October 27. Netanyahu, 77, who has long branded himself as 'Mr. Security,' must confront serious challenges ahead.
The Impact of the October 7 Attacks on the Election Process
Netanyahu's attempt to reclaim the Prime Minister's seat comes at a time when a bitter and historic event, namely the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, has significantly affected public opinion. Many Israelis consider these attacks the greatest security failure in their country's history. Following this event, he has focused on battling Hamas as well as Iran and Hezbollah, while simultaneously facing his own criminal trial related to corruption charges.Read more: France on the Brink of a New Wave of Protests Over Security Alert Status
Polls indicate a close and tough competition between Netanyahu's right-wing bloc and the opposing parties. These parties have collaborated to try to oust Netanyahu from power. Figures such as Naftali Bennett, the former Prime Minister, and Gadi Eisenkot, the former Chief of Staff of the Army, are among these opponents.
Political Challenges and Corruption Allegations
Despite the political crises and controversies that have threatened Netanyahu's power, he is recognized as a politician with the ability to survive in the political arena. Netanyahu, who became Prime Minister for the sixth time in November 2022, now leads the most right-wing governing coalition in Israel's history. This return to power, especially after a brief period in opposition, reflects his ability to maintain his support base.However, the legacy of the October 7 attacks will influence the choices of many voters. Netanyahu has accepted part of the responsibility for these attacks and has criticized senior security officials for not waking him up in the hours before the attack. These attacks, which resulted in thousands of deaths and hostages, have severely impacted Netanyahu's image.
Israel's actions in Gaza following these attacks have faced strong international reactions, and reports suggest that Netanyahu was unaware of various warnings that had been given to him. This issue has become one of the key points in his election campaign.
In November 2024, Netanyahu became the fourth world leader for whom the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant. This warrant was issued due to allegations related to Israel's military actions in Gaza and has significantly affected the political atmosphere in Israel.
Benjamin Netanyahu, born in 1949 in Tel Aviv, entered the military and political arena at a young age and is recognized as one of the key figures in Israel's history. Over the years, he has faced many challenges and now, on the brink of another election, must grapple with new challenges.
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