Israel Schedules 2026 Elections for October 27, First On-Time Vote in 38 Years

Israel has officially set the date for its 2026 national elections on October 27, marking the first time in 38 years that elections are held on schedule. This election will also be the first in 53 years where the government completes its full term. The decision to hold elections on this date, 107 days from the announcement on July 12, 2026, came after the coalition requested elections be held as planned, following the Knesset's recess starting July 17.

A recent News 12 poll revealed that the Likud party, led by Benjamin Netanyahu, and the Yisrael party, led by Gadi Eizenkot, are tied as the two largest parties in Israel, each with 23 seats. This is the first time these parties are neck and neck, reflecting the growing influence of the former IDF Chief of Staff, Eizenkot. The third largest party is Yachdut, led by Naftali Bennett, which has weakened by one seat to 16 mandates. The Democratic party, headed by Yair Golan, ranks fourth with 10 seats according to the poll.

The upcoming elections are significant as they represent a rare instance of political stability in Israel, with the government completing its full term and elections proceeding without delay. The political landscape remains competitive, with shifts in party strengths highlighted by recent polling data.