Likud Announces Prime Minister’s Decision to Contest Upcoming Election
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will seek another term in office later this year, his Likud Party announced on Wednesday, ending speculation about his political future ahead of the country’s next general election.
In a brief statement, the ruling party confirmed that Netanyahu intends to contest the upcoming vote and expressed confidence in his chances of securing victory. Although Israel has not formally announced an election date, the country is required to hold parliamentary elections by October.
The announcement followed remarks attributed to US President Donald Trump, who reportedly said he was uncertain whether Netanyahu planned to run again. According to media reports, Trump questioned whether the veteran Israeli leader wished to continue his political career after decades in public service.
Netanyahu’s decision sets the stage for a highly significant election that will be the first national vote since the October 2023 Hamas attack, an event that reshaped Israel’s political and security landscape.
Polls Reflect Political Challenges Despite Continued Influence
Meanwhile, Netanyahu enters the election campaign facing both political challenges and enduring influence within Israeli politics. Since returning to power in December 2022 at the head of a right-wing coalition government, he has confronted widespread public protests, security crises, and regional conflicts involving Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran.
Recent opinion polls suggest that Netanyahu’s coalition could struggle to secure a parliamentary majority. A survey released this week indicated that a majority of Israelis believe he should not seek another term. However, polling data also shows opposition parties may face difficulties assembling a governing coalition without support from Arab political groups, a prospect some opposition leaders have rejected.
Despite periodic tensions, Israeli and American officials continue to describe relations between Netanyahu and President Trump as close. Nevertheless, disagreements have surfaced in recent months over regional military operations and diplomatic efforts involving Iran and Lebanon.
Additionally, Netanyahu continues to face corruption allegations, which he has consistently denied. As election preparations intensify, political analysts expect security, governance, and regional diplomacy to dominate the campaign agenda in the months ahead.
