Israel will hold its legislative elections on October 27th.

The Knesset has confirmed that parliamentary elections will be held on October 27, the deadline set by law. This vote is expected to be a major test for Benjamin Netanyahu, whose popularity has eroded since the start of the war in Gaza.

The Israeli parliament has officially set October 27 as the date for the next legislative elections, the latest deadline allowed under current legislation. The Knesset's term ends on July 17, which will allow the governing coalition to complete a full four-year term for the first time in decades.

"Since the current Knesset is expected to complete its term and the next general elections are already scheduled by law for October 27, with no intention of shortening the life of the legislature, there is no need to adopt a law to dissolve the Knesset in the usual sense," the institution said in a statement.

At 76, Benjamin Netanyahu is the longest-serving prime minister in the country's history. He has announced his candidacy for another term. His government, considered one of the most right-wing coalitions Israel has ever seen, is seeking to pass several bills before the election in order to strengthen its electoral position.

The prime minister declared last month his intention to "establish a broad national unity government, not a right-wing government, not a left-wing government dependent on Arab parties." This overture to his opponents is seen as an attempt to reposition his campaign around the theme of unity rather than ideology.

Recent polls, however, paint an unfavorable picture for the outgoing Prime Minister: a majority of Israelis want him to step down. Former army chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the centrist Yashar party, has emerged as his main rival.

Two issues are weighing heavily on the upcoming campaign. Israeli public opinion has widely criticized the ceasefire agreement reached after the war waged by Israel and the United States against Iran in late February, deeming the deal negotiated between Tehran and Washington unfavorable to Israel. Furthermore, the security failures preceding the Hamas attacks of October 7, 2023, in the south of the country are fueling persistent discontent with the government.