<p>Most polling shows prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition will lose its majority, with Gadi Eisenkot the leading opposition contender </p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/oct/26/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-most-consequential-election-in-israels-history">What you need to know about Israel’s election</a></p></li></ul><p>Hello and welcome to our coverage of the Israeli elections. Polls have opened in the first election since the Hamas-led attacks of 7 October 2023, Israel’s subsequent destruction of Gaza, and the launch of its war with the US against Iran.</p><p>Most polling shows prime minister <strong>Benjamin Netanyahu’s </strong>coalition will lose its majority in the 120-seat Knesset, but the opposition bloc will probably also fall short of the 61 seats needed to form a government.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2026/oct/27/israel-elections-knesset-netanyahu-likud-eisenkot-gaza-latest-updates">Continue reading...</a>