Israel’s longest-serving prime minister says he plans to win the 2026 parliamentary election
Israel’s longest-serving prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has said he will seek another term in the November 2026 parliamentary elections.
Netanyahu’s recent tenure has been defined by his controversial judicial reform, the hostage crisis, and the war in Gaza, issues for which he has faced both criticism and praise.
In an interview with Israel’s Channel 14 on Saturday, the prime minister was asked whether he intends to seek another term in office. “Yes,” he replied. When pressed on whether he expects to win, he again said, “Yes.”
The polarizing leader of the right-wing Likud party, Netanyahu served as prime minister from 1996 to 1999 and from 2009 to 2021. He returned to office in December 2022 following the collapse of the ruling coalition.
Netanyahu has claimed he is “the only person capable of keeping Israel safe” and boasted about his close ties with US President Donald Trump. He has a hardline stance on Hamas and initiated the 12-day air war with Iran in June.
The prime minister is currently on trial in three corruption cases, in which he denies any wrongdoing. He has also pushed to limit the powers of Israel’s Supreme Court, triggering mass protests.
A Channel 12 poll published this week indicates that Likud would win 72 seats if elections were held today, remaining the largest faction in the Knesset. The uptick in popularity follows an internationally brokered ceasefire with Hamas and the release of all remaining hostages.
