Netanyahu races to pass key laws as Israel’s October 27 election campaign begins

As Israel's election date looms on October 27, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party is engaged in an eleventh-hour legislative push. Instead of focusing on campaign messaging like most other parties, Likud is advancing its priorities before the Knesset recess. This strategy is seen as central to forming Netanyahu's next coalition, with the leverage of his haredi partners significantly shaping government spending.

The political maneuvering occurs against a tense regional backdrop. A US-Middle East alignment is exchanging strikes with Iran, while Israel currently remains on the sidelines. The current legislative efforts focus on two controversial measures: the Basic Law on Torah study and a temporary freeze on arresting draft evaders. These measures have implications for an already strained military manpower crisis, a concern publicly voiced by the IDF chief of staff.

A notable development in the campaign is the rise of former IDF chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot. His momentum now appears to eclipse both Netanyahu and the Bennett–Lapid ticket. The Jerusalem Post's Deep Dive podcast, featuring host Jacob Laznik and breaking-news desk manager Shir Perets, examines these events, including fiscal incentives and competing arguments. The central question defining the vote remains: after four years, is the country better off?

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after four years, is the country better off?