Security dominates final days of Israel’s election campaign

Israel’s election campaign entered its final days on Sunday with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasizing national security as he faced opposition demands for accountability over the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attack.

Israelis are due to vote on October 27 in the country’s first parliamentary election since that attack. Opinion polls cited by The Indian Express indicate that neither Netanyahu’s coalition nor the opposition is likely to secure a majority, leaving coalition negotiations crucial. Former military chief Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the new Yashar party, and former prime minister Naftali Bennett are among Netanyahu’s main rivals.

Netanyahu said intelligence indicated that Iran and allied groups could attempt attacks intended to disrupt the election. “Don’t test us,” he said in a video, warning that Israel was prepared for defensive and offensive action. He also shared an AI-generated image of a nuclear explosion alongside a commentator’s text arguing that electing a leader unable to confront Iran could expose Israelis to a “second Holocaust.”

The campaign’s focus shifted further toward security after two Israeli soldiers were killed in a shooting at a checkpoint outside Hebron, RTÉ reported. Netanyahu cancelled campaign events, travelled to Hebron, ordered the city sealed and said a broad West Bank military operation was being prepared.

Meanwhile, thousands demonstrated in Tel Aviv on Saturday, demanding government accountability for failing to prevent the 2023 attack. The National reported similar criticism among some northern Israeli voters, including reservists angered by the effects of the conflict with Hezbollah and calling for a change of government.