Vote to remove Netanyahu from power
The gist
Israeli President Isaac Herzog gave opposition candidate Gadi Eisenkot the first chance to form a government.
Eisenkot has 67 recommended lawmakers but his bloc holds only 48 of 120 seats.
How it unfolded
- May 2026Israeli lawmakers voted unanimously to dissolve the Knesset, initiating a process that could result in a snap election and the potential ousting of Netanyahu.
- Oct 27, 2026Israel held its first elections since the October 7, 2023 attack; over 7 million people were eligible to vote and tens of thousands reportedly arrived from overseas.
- Oct 27, 2026Exit polls showed Eisenkot and his opposition bloc neck and neck with Netanyahu's hard-right camp, both well away from a parliamentary majority.
Key terms
- Knesset
- The unicameral legislature of Israel, with 120 seats.
- mandate
- The perceived legitimacy, usually from election results, for a party or leader to rule and form a government.
- Joint List
- A left-wing alliance of Arab-majority political parties in Israel representing Arab citizens.
Source: Wikipedia