Undecided Voters Could Decide Israel's 2026 Election Amid Security and Cost of Living Concerns

Approximately 10% of Israeli voters remain undecided ahead of the 2026 elections, according to a Channel 12 news poll published on July 28, 2026. This undecided bloc represents a potential swing of eight to ten Knesset seats, which could determine the formation of the next government. Among these voters, 1.3% are considering switching between political blocs, a factor that may influence the critical 61st seat and final election results.

Security issues and the management of ongoing conflicts top the list of concerns influencing voter decisions, followed by economic challenges such as the rising cost of living, cited by 25% of undecided respondents. Social division and polarization also weigh heavily for 15% of these voters. Interestingly, only 12% said the identity of the bloc leader would sway their vote, while another 12% emphasized personal security and crime prevention as key factors.

Political negotiations are ongoing but currently stalled regarding a potential unification of parties led by former Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked, Yuli Edelstein, and Benny Gantz. The impasse centers on Gantz's insistence on leading the joint list, a condition Shaked opposes. Should the merger fail, Edelstein and Gilad Erdan are expected to announce a joint political path soon, potentially creating a new center-left faction including parties led by Hili Tropper and Yoaz Hendel, alongside a center-right wing under Edelstein and Erdan.

In a notable campaign strategy, Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of the Israel Beiteinu party, has decided to personally manage his party's election campaign instead of hiring an external campaign manager. Lieberman cited his 27 years of political experience and intimate knowledge of the party's internal workings as reasons for this approach.