4 Takeaways From Israel’s Election

28 October 2026 at 14:10

Votes are still being counted, and much is in flux. But as the stage was set for bitter talks over forming a government, nearly all sides could face disappointment.

For Israel’s Neighbors in Middle East, the Election Offers Little Hope of a Reset

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By: Christina Goldbaum

28 October 2026 at 10:45

Few countries in the Middle East expect a turning point in relations with Israel. But the outcome of the vote has implications for the regional conflict with Iran.

Parts of Lebanon have been greatly damaged in fighting between Israel and Hezbollah since March, including the Dahiya neighborhood, a Hezbollah stronghold in the capital, Beirut.

Israel’s President, Isaac Herzog, Faces a Difficult Choice

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By: Ephrat Livni

28 October 2026 at 05:18

The president has a largely ceremonial role, except after elections when it is his responsibility to pick a candidate for prime minister.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog casting his ballot Tuesday in Jerusalem during Israel’s general election.

Israel’s Election: When Will We Know Who Will Be Prime Minister?

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By: Ephrat Livni

28 October 2026 at 12:38

Most votes were expected to be counted by Wednesday, but forming a government could take weeks of negotiations — or require another election.

Israel’s First Election Since Oct. 7, and What Anthropic’s I.P.O. Means for the Whole Economy

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By: Tracy Mumford · Will Jarvis · Margaret Kadifa · Jake Lucas · David M. Halbfinger and Erin Griffith

27 October 2026 at 10:00

Plus, why Halloween candy is scary expensive.

The Key Election Issues Dividing Israelis as They Vote

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By: Aaron Boxerman

27 October 2026 at 09:02

The question of accountability for the government’s failures in the Hamas-led attacks on Oct. 7, 2023, looms over the election.

Ultra-Orthodox Israelis protesting military conscription for members of their community in Jerusalem last year.

In Israel’s Election, It’s Nationalism vs. Founding Ideals

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By: Roger Cohen

27 October 2026 at 14:10

As Israel votes, ever more strident hard-right views compete with hopes for a diverse land. The outcome could shape the country’s identity for years.

A banner for the Likud party and its leader, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, right, with the slogan, “The Right or Palestine.” Other candidates in the elections are to the left of it.

Netanyahu Pushed for Attack on Iran Ahead of Israeli Election, Officials Say

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By: David M. Halbfinger · Ronen Bergman · Natan Odenheimer · Adam Rasgon and Aaron Boxerman

26 October 2026 at 22:44

Israel’s military chief resisted the prime minister, who then pressed in recent days for a separate action, short of an overt strike, according to an official and a person briefed on the matter.

A campaign billboard in Tel Aviv depicting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Trump on Monday, the eve of Israel’s national election.

Israel’s Future

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By: Sam Sifton

26 October 2026 at 10:51

We look at what’s at stake in tomorrow’s elections.

The Millions of Israelis in Netanyahu’s Corner

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By: Michael J. Koplow

26 October 2026 at 06:24

Despite three disastrous years for Israelis, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s core support remains strong.

Israeli Jews Across the Spectrum Face an Election of Fears

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By: David M. Halbfinger

26 October 2026 at 04:01

Supporters and opponents of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have expressed intense anxieties about isolation abroad, security at home and the future of Israel’s identity.

Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s prime minister, speaking to supporters in the food court of a shopping mall in Holon, Israel, during a campaign visit this month.

Netanyahu Won the Middle East and Lost the World

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By: Ezra Klein

25 October 2026 at 10:00

Both Israelis and Palestinians are trapped in the Netanyahu paradigm.

Israel’s High-Stakes Election: What to Know

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By: Ephrat Livni

25 October 2026 at 09:01

Israelis head to the polls on Tuesday for an election that will determine the country’s next prime minister. But it can take weeks, months or longer to form a new government.

Campaign billboards featuring Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Gadi Eisenkot this month in Kiryat Malachi, Israel.

A New Level of Threat and Fear Risks Pushing the U.S. and Iran Back to Full War

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By: David E. Sanger · Julian E. Barnes · Jonathan Swan · Maggie Haberman · Farnaz Fassihi and Eric Schmitt

25 October 2026 at 13:38

With new intelligence and the possibility of all sides seeking pretexts for action, the war in Iran is entering a dangerous phase ahead of elections in the United States and Israel.

A senior official in Iran took to social media in recent days to say the country was preparing to take on its adversaries with surprise attacks.

What the Israeli Election Won’t Change

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By: Mairav Zonszein

24 October 2026 at 12:00

Israelis will decide this week if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will remain in office.

Israel Cracks Down in West Bank City After Deadly Attack

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By: Aaron Boxerman and Fatima AbdulKarim

24 October 2026 at 15:52

Hundreds of Palestinian families fled their homes as the Israeli military raided Hebron. The operation came a day after Palestinian gunmen killed two soldiers.

An Israeli soldier at the northern checkpoint in Hebron, in the West Bank, on Saturday.

Netanyahu Is Up for Re-election After Years of War. How Will Voters See Him?

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By: Isabel Kershner

24 October 2026 at 18:45

The Oct. 7 attacks marred Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s image as Mr. Security. Ahead of elections, he’s trying to sell Israelis on the new, hawkish version of himself.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel speaking to supporters at a mall in Holon, Israel, this month.

Israeli Settlers Turn a Palestinian Rite Into a Gantlet of Violence and Fear

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By: Fatima AbdulKarim · Gabby Sobelman · Azam Ahmed and Ivor Prickett

23 October 2026 at 17:47

This year’s olive harvest in the Israeli-occupied West Bank is the most violent in years, as settlers have attacked farmers and besieged homes, drawing condemnation from U.S. officials and others.

Palestinians harvesting olives last week in Khirbet Abu Falah, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Israeli settlers attacked a group of Palestinians there last week, injuring several people, including an American journalist.

Palestinian Gunmen Open Fire on Israelis in the West Bank, Officials Say

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By: Adam Rasgon

23 October 2026 at 18:11

The Israeli military said two soldiers and two attackers had been killed, and three soldiers wounded. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to launch a major offensive in the Israeli-occupied territory.

Israeli soldiers standing next to one of the bodies of two armed Palestinian men after the exchange of fire on Friday.

Gadi Eisenkot Couldn’t Be More Unlike Netanyahu. Can He Beat Him?

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By: David M. Halbfinger · Natan Odenheimer and Johnatan Reiss

23 October 2026 at 05:01

Mr. Eisenkot, an ex-military chief leading in the polls, calls the Israeli prime minister an “anti-leader.” But his low-key campaigning style is worrying supporters.

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