Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has confirmed his intention to seek re-election in the November 2026 general elections, asserting confidence in his chances of victory despite mounting domestic challenges.
Appearing on the right-wing Channel 14 on Saturday, Netanyahu responded affirmatively when asked whether he would run for another term. Pressed further on whether he expected to win, the veteran leader replied simply, โYes.โ
Netanyahu, who leads the Likud party, holds the record as Israelโs longest-serving prime minister, having spent more than 18 years in office since first assuming the role in 1996. His current term began following the 2022 elections, in which Likud secured 32 seats in the Knesset, bolstered by 18 seats from ultra-Orthodox allies and 14 from the far-right Religious Zionism allianceโa historic showing for the right-wing bloc.
However, Netanyahuโs tenure has been marked by deep political divisions. His controversial judicial overhaul plan, introduced early in his current term, triggered months of mass protests across Israel, with tens of thousands demonstrating against perceived threats to democratic checks and balances.
The prime minister has also faced growing criticism over his handling of the ongoing war with Hamas, which erupted following the militant groupโs unprecedented attack on October 7, 2023. Families of hostages taken during the assault have publicly condemned the governmentโs response, adding pressure to an already embattled administration.
As Netanyahu prepares for another electoral campaign, his leadership remains both influential and polarizing, with the 2026 vote likely to serve as a referendum on his legacy and Israelโs future direction.
