After four years of upheaval and deep rifts, Israel heads to the polls on 27 October. Netanyahu faces a test of political survival as rival parties compete over security, democracy and the country's future relations with Palestinians and the rest of the region.

Arab-led parties could hold the balance of power in Israel's election. But as Palestinian citizens seek safety and equal rights, rival strategies and rejection by Jewish opposition leaders threaten to turn electoral leverage into political exclusion.

Removing Netanyahu would give Israel a chance to change course. But a divided opposition must move beyond managing the Palestinian conflict, while international allies should use incentives and pressure to achieve a lasting breakthrough.

As Israel’s heads to the polls, Netanyahu’s far-right allies are split by rivalries: Ben-Gvir bids for independence, Smotrich teams up with Feiglin to survive, and Winter’s new party risks missing the threshold for a Knesset seat. Nothing is set in stone.

As Israel approaches the 27 October elections, the Palestinian question remains beyond the electoral debate and Netanyahu turns fear into political survival. His vision of security dominates the campaign, while coalition hurdles could keep him out of power.