# Netanyahu Faces Election Challenge

> Netanyahu's re-election bid faces tight race with Eisenkot in Israel's pivotal election.
- Title: Netanyahu Faces Election Challenge · Newsweek | Shortify
- Summary: Netanyahu's re-election bid faces tight race with Eisenkot in Israel's pivotal election. Netanyahu struggles to retain power as polls show Eisenkot leading…
- Keywords: israel, netanyahu, eisenkot, yashar party, knesset, election, polls, gaza war, hamas, iran, hezbollah, houthi
- Source: Newsweek — https://newsweek.com/will-benjamin-netanyahu-win-israel-election-what-polls-show-12608991
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: israel, netanyahu, eisenkot, yashar party, knesset, election, polls, gaza war, hamas, iran, hezbollah, houthi
## Election Context
Israel heads to legislative election on Tuesday October 27 after October 2023 Hamas-led attacks.
## Polling Uncertainty
Final pre-election polls indicate a deadlock with outgoing coalition holding 50.2 seats versus 61 needed for power.
## Key Contenders
Netanyahu's Likud party and Gadi Eisenkot's Yashar party compete for 61 seats in Knesset.
## Eisenkot's Appeal
Eisenkot, former IDF chief, gained popularity by criticizing security failures before October 7 attacks.
## Netanyahu's Narrative
Netanyahu emphasizes military achievements but faces criticism over Gaza war consequences.
## Opposition Strategy
Opposition focuses on judicial overhaul and Netanyahu's coalition with far-right partners.
## Coalition Challenges
Forming a stable government requires cooperation with Arab parties and overcoming internal divisions.
## Post-Election Dynamics
President Herzog will appoint coalition leader after election, with potential delays in government formation.
## Key takeaway

Netanyahu struggles to retain power as polls show Eisenkot leading in key seats.