Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has confirmed he will run for re-election in November 2026, declaring confidently that he expects to win despite ongoing criticism over his leadership.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that he will seek another term in office in the country’s next general elections scheduled for November 2026, expressing confidence that he will win.
Speaking on Channel 14’s right-wing programme The Patriots on Saturday, Netanyahu was asked whether he planned to run again. “Yes,” he replied. When pressed on whether he expected victory, the veteran leader responded firmly, “Yes.”
Netanyahu, head of the Likud party, holds the record as Israel’s longest-serving prime minister, having spent more than 18 years in the role since first assuming office in 1996.
In the last elections, Likud secured 32 seats in the Knesset, while its ultra-Orthodox allies won 18 and the far-right Religious Zionism alliance 14.
His current term has been marked by widespread controversy, particularly over a judicial overhaul plan that triggered months of mass protests across Israel.
Since the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, Netanyahu has also faced growing criticism from families of hostages and opposition leaders over his handling of the war in Gaza.
Despite the challenges, Netanyahu remains defiant, signalling his determination to lead Israel through what he calls “a defining chapter” in its history.