Who is running for israeli prime minister

On 22 September 2026, major political developments in Israel signaled a formalization of the field for the upcoming general election. Following the collapse of the previous governing coalition earlier this summer, opposition leader Yair Lapid officially launched his campaign, emphasizing a platform centered on constitutional reform and economic stabilization. Simultaneously, former Defense Minister Benny Gantz announced his candidacy, positioning his centrist alliance as a pragmatic alternative to both the current caretaker government and the right-wing bloc led by Benjamin Netanyahu. Netanyahu, who remains the presumptive nominee for the Likud party, has focused his recent messaging on national security and regional integration efforts. The political climate remains highly volatile, with several smaller factions currently negotiating potential mergers to cross the electoral threshold. Analysts note that the race is expected to be exceptionally tight, with undecided voters in the suburbs playing a decisive role. As of 25 September 2026, the Central Elections Committee has confirmed that the final list of candidates must be submitted by mid-October, setting the stage for an intense final month of campaigning.