Trump backs Netanyahu ahead of election

Two days before Israel's legislative elections, former U.S. President Donald Trump urged Israelis to vote for Benjamin Netanyahu, calling him an "exceptional warrior." Trump made the statement on his social media platform, Truth Social, referencing the joint military campaign against Iran as a shared victory.

Israeli voters head to polls

Israeli voters are set to go to the polls on Tuesday in an election that has drawn significant attention both within the country and internationally. Gadi Eisenkot, Netanyahu's main rival, has pledged to heal the nation's divisions, while Netanyahu has intensified his attacks on the opposition.

Eisenkot calls for unity

Before addressing several hundred supporters in Tel Aviv, Eisenkot, whose party is closely matched with Netanyahu's, urged national unity. He emphasized that his goal was not to defeat Netanyahu's camp but to bring together all Israelis, including those who had supported his rival.

Netanyahu focuses on security

Netanyahu's campaign has centered on security, reiterating his commitment to both security and the economy. He has promised to break from the governance of his long-time political opponent and assured voters he would take full responsibility for both successes and failures.

Criticism of Netanyahu's leadership

Eisenkot has promised to establish an independent commission to investigate security failures that allowed the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, suggesting Netanyahu is to blame. Some Israeli citizens have expressed a desire for a leader they can trust to unite the country, even if they disagree with him on other issues.

Eisenkot opposes Palestinian state

While opposing the creation of a Palestinian state, Eisenkot has pledged to reduce violence by Israeli settlers in the West Bank, accusing Netanyahu of using the Iranian threat as a political tool. Opposition figures like Yair Lapid have criticized Netanyahu's approach, calling for his removal from office.