Bennett Vows to Block Palestinian State as Israel Prepares for Oct 27 Election

Israel is gearing up for a general election on 27 October—a vote analysts deem capable of ending Benjamin Netanyahu’s tenure and the dominance of his Likud party. Bennett framed his campaign around sweeping reforms, including integrating the ultra-Orthodox (Haredim) into the civilian workforce and pursuing “dramatic and very difficult actions” not attempted since Israel’s founding.

Middle East Eye

A recent poll by the Israeli newspaper Maariv placed Likud at 20 seats, while the Yashar party led by former army chief Gadi Eisenkot surged to a record 23 seats. Bennett’s Together party trailed with 17 seats. These figures suggest a competitive race in which both Bennett and Eisenkot are positioned as challengers to Netanyahu’s right-wing bloc.

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Both Bennett and Eisenkot share a hard-line view on ending the long-standing exemption that allows the Haredim to avoid compulsory military service—a contentious issue that Netanyahu has traditionally protected to preserve his alliance with ultra-Orthodox parties.

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Eisenkot, whose military career includes serving as chief of staff from 2015-2019, echoed Bennett’s opposition to a Palestinian state and criticised Netanyahu’s failure to advance legislation ending the Haredim exemption. Eisenkot also highlighted the strategic importance of closer ties with Saudi Arabia to counter Iran’s regional influence.

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• “I am not giving up territory, period,” — Naftali Bennett, former prime minister

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• “I am the most suitable person to lead the historical correction that needs to be made here in the State of Israel,” — Naftali Bennett, former prime minister

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