Israel Elections: Netanyahu Faces Eisenkot In Make-Or-Break Battle Amid War

UPDATED: Oct 26, 2026 21:54 ISTIsrael is heading into a crucial parliamentary election for the 26th Knesset, marking the first polls since the October 7, 2023 terror attacks. Longest-serving Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces a formidable challenge from former Israel Defense Forces chief Gadi Eisenkot. Voters are weighing key issues, including the Gaza war, the conflict with Iran, national security challenges, legal troubles, and the rising cost of living. Opinion polls indicate that neither Netanyahu's Likud-led coalition nor Eisenkot's alliance is projected to hit the magic 61-seat majority mark in the 120-seat Knesset. With both major blocs ruling out alliances with Arab parties, the political landscape faces complex coalition arithmetic, opening up possibilities that include a potential national unity government or re-election. Read MoreVIDEOS FROM OTHER SECTIONSLATEST VIDEOSEC Denies Unilateral Moves by CEC Gyanesh Kumar, Defends Form 6 in Supreme CourtThe Election Commission of India has submitted an affidavit to the Supreme Court refuting allegations of unilateral decision-making by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. India Today accessed the affidavit, which maintains that all key decisions were passed unanimously alongside the two Election Commissioners. Addressing controversies regarding voter registration, the poll body stated that Form 6 was never amended, affirming that statutory changes can only be instituted by the Central Government. Instead, the commission clarified that an additional declaration regarding voter mapping was introduced to streamline verification and prevent repetitive document submissions. The poll body further indicated that unmapped voters do not need to attend formal hearings, with Booth Level Officers assigned to collect necessary documents directly. Officials also stated that experts from IIT and IISc will review the software, and denied that names were added or deleted without state election officer approvals. The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear multiple petitions regarding these issues.INDIA Bloc Rally, Traders Protest Over Diwali & BJP Counter-March Spark WarA major political faceoff has erupted ahead of Diwali over the INDIA bloc's planned November 1 rally at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan. Despite strong appeals from local traders highlighting prospective festive business losses, the Opposition alliance confirmed it will proceed with the demonstration against alleged vote theft and the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. The Opposition maintained protests will halt if Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar resigns. In response, the BJP has mounted a nationwide padayatra counteroffensive under its campaign against anarchy, featuring senior leaders across multiple states. Meanwhile, political rhetoric intensified sharply following controversial remarks directed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, drawing severe condemnation from the BJP.ECI Backs CEC Gyanesh Kumar in Supreme Court, Denies Unilateral Decisions and Form 6 AmendmentsIn an affidavit submitted to the Supreme Court, the Election Commission of India has refuted allegations of unilateral decision-making by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Responding to petitions questioning administrative processes, the poll panel stated that all decisions concerning the Special Intensive Revision of Electoral Rolls orders were made unanimously by all three commission members, including Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi. The commission affirmed that Form 6 has not been amended, explaining that the declaration added was an annexure intended to facilitate voter mapping and prevent repetitive documentation cycles, as experienced during the Bihar revision. The Election Commission further maintained that no voter names can be added or deleted without an order from the Electoral Registration Officer. Addressing concerns over operational transparency, the poll body stated that an expert panel comprising members from IIT and the Indian Institute of Science has been constituted to oversee compliance with established rules.Delhi Riots Accused Sharjeel Imam, Umar Khalid Face UAPA as Constitution Row Sparks DebateSharjeel Imam and Umar Khalid, who stand accused in a larger conspiracy case linked to the 2020 Delhi riots, remain under scrutiny as their bail pleas continue to face legal hurdles. Both face serious charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and sections of the Indian Penal Code, including criminal conspiracy and rioting offenses. The controversy around Sharjeel Imam has resurfaced over his ideology regarding the Constitution of India, which he reportedly argued denies Muslims adequate representation and acts as a roadblock to their dignified existence. The report also revisits Imam's January 2020 speech at Aligarh Muslim University, where he spoke about cutting off India's Northeast at the strategic Chicken's Neck area.