Archive · 29 Sep 2026
Netanyahu Uses Old Security Playbook Amid October 7 Shadow
Benjamin Netanyahu is trying to remain Israel’s prime minister in the October 27 election.
He says he is the strongest person to keep Israel safe.
This message is harder to use because Hamas carried out a surprise attack while he was in office.
The attack exposed a major security failure, according to critics and analysts.
Netanyahu says Israel has successfully fought Hamas and other enemies.
His government’s actions in Gaza have caused many deaths, widespread destruction and international criticism.
Netanyahu also attacks rivals by saying they might depend on Arab parties and be too soft on security.
His main rival, Gadi Eisenkot, is a former military chief with a centre-right party.
Some analysts think Netanyahu may try to prevent his opponents from forming a government rather than win a clear majority.
Benjamin Netanyahu is campaigning for reelection as the leader best able to protect Israel.
His security credentials were damaged by Hamas’s October 7, 2023, surprise attack on southern Israel.
Likud’s slogan is “Netanyahu does not surrender,” although polls predict the party could lose about one-third of its seats.
Critics cite the Gaza war’s civilian toll, destruction and diplomatic isolation, while Netanyahu defends Israel’s actions.
Analysts say Netanyahu may seek enough seats to block an alternative government and force another election.
- Who
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his Likud party, rival Gadi Eisenkot, political opponents and Israeli voters.
- What
- An election campaign focused on Netanyahu’s effort to retain power and restore his security credentials after the October 7 attack.
- When
- The election is scheduled for October 27; the Hamas attack occurred on October 7, 2023, and the Reuters report was published on September 29.
- Where
- Israel, with the campaign shaped by events in southern Israel, Gaza and Israel’s relations with the United Nations and the United States.
- Why
- Netanyahu wants to remain in power and persuade voters that he is best able to manage Israel’s security, war and diplomacy.
Netanyahu’s Campaign
Critics and Rivals
Security credentials
Netanyahu’s Campaign
Netanyahu presents himself as the experienced leader with the determination to protect Israel and confront its enemies.
Critics and Rivals
Critics say the October 7 Hamas attack was a severe security failure that occurred under his government’s watch and undermined his claim to be Israel’s protector.
Conduct of the war
Netanyahu’s Campaign
Netanyahu defends Israel’s military response and says the conflict has transformed, and will continue to transform, the region.
Critics and Rivals
Critics point to Palestinian deaths, Gaza’s destruction and Israel’s growing diplomatic isolation as evidence of serious humanitarian and strategic costs.
Political strategy
Netanyahu’s Campaign
Netanyahu warns that his rivals would rely on Arab parties and be too soft on Palestinians and security issues.
Critics and Rivals
Analysts say this approach may be less effective against Eisenkot, whose military background and centre-right party could attract voters, and believe Netanyahu may be pursuing a political stalemate.
- Election date
- October 27
- Security crisis
- Hamas’s surprise attack on southern Israel took place on October 7, 2023.
- Likud slogan
- “Netanyahu does not surrender”
- Polling outlook
- Most opinion polls predict Likud could lose around one-third of its parliamentary seats.
- Main rival
- Gadi Eisenkot, a hawkish former military chief who leads the centrist Yashar party.
- War and diplomacy
- The Gaza war has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians, left much of the enclave in ruins and increased Israel’s diplomatic isolation, according to the reports.
- Possible endgame
- Analysts say Netanyahu may aim to prevent an alternative government and remain interim prime minister before another election.
