Israel elections: What's at stake for Netanyahu? Key challengers, seats needed to win & more

Israel set to vote for the first time since Oct 7 attack; Netanyahu faces major test Israel is set to vote on Tuesday, marking its first national election since Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s leadership, security record and political future at the centre of the campaign.Voters are weighing his handling of the attack and the conflicts that followed against concerns over military service exemptions, judicial reforms and the rising cost of living.With Netanyahu facing a challenge from rival parties, the election is expected to test his ability to retain power after years of conflict and political divisions.However, with no single party expected to win a majority in the 120-member Knesset, the next government will depend on post-election coalition negotiations as much as the vote itself.What will decide Israel’s electionIsrael’s first national election since Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack is widely seen as a referendum on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s leadership. While the attack and the security failures surrounding it remain central to the campaign, the debate has focused largely on Netanyahu’s accountability, his handling of the afterm...