Speculation Grows Over Election Day Timing and Netanyahu's Political Future

Political commentator Yair Sherki wrote in his weekly column in Yedioth Ahronoth that the most likely election date is October 20, the eve of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s birthday. If that date is confirmed, the official results would arrive after midnight, when Netanyahu turns 77, since he was born on October 21, 1949.

Sherki also addressed rumors that Netanyahu may not run in the next election and could announce retirement. He wrote that age is not a persuasive reason to step aside from Donald Trump’s perspective, noting that Trump will turn 80 this month, but said the persistent Israeli rumor about Netanyahu not running had reached Washington.

Sherki added that the U.S. president is an experienced politician who understands the implications of floating such speculation during a campaign. Netanyahu, he said, has denied the rumors, which Sherki described as natural.

He concluded that even if Netanyahu were considering such an exit, he could not reveal it before all the details were arranged, including a possible pardon, a succession question in Likud, and whether a criminal stigma would prevent him from becoming president of Israel in two years.