Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his Likud party are showing signs of renewed political strength ahead of Israel's Oct. 27 election, with recent polling indicating that the longtime leader's broader right-wing bloc has gained ground on the opposition.

A new survey published by Israel’s Channel 14 found Netanyahu leading former IDF chief Gadi Eisenkot by a wide margin in preferences for prime minister, with 50 percent support compared to 32 percent. Other recent polls from the same period similarly placed Netanyahu ahead in head-to-head matchups against key rivals.

These results come as the right-wing coalition bloc edges closer in projected Knesset seats. While opposition parties led by Eisenkot's Yashar and Naftali Bennett's Together maintain a slight lead in many seat projections, the gap has narrowed from earlier in the summer. Likud itself has held steady around 21 to 23 seats in recent surveys, with the broader right-wing parties showing modest improvements in some tallies.

The election, scheduled for October 27, 2026, will determine the composition of the 27th Knesset. Netanyahu's coalition currently governs but has faced challenges in maintaining a majority in projections throughout much of the year. Analysts note that shifts in voter sentiment on security issues and economic concerns could continue to influence the race in the coming weeks.

Voter turnout and alliances among smaller parties will play a critical role in determining whether the right-wing bloc can secure the 61 seats needed for a governing majority. Netanyahu has emphasized his experience in navigating regional threats as a key strength in the campaign.