Israel’s ruling Likud party has launched a billboard featuring New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani alongside Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem, accusing the four of wanting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to lose the upcoming October election.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-s-new-infiltration-bill-could-turn-foreign-contacts-into-crimes-journalists-and-others-face-prison-under-proposed-law-details-inside-1786935582385">Iran’s new ‘infiltration’ bill could turn foreign contacts into crimes: Journalists and others face prison under proposed law. Details inside</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">אל תתנו להם לנצח <a href="https://t.co/JgvJXAPtia">pic.twitter.com/JgvJXAPtia</a>&mdash; Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) <a href="https://x.com/netanyahu/status/2089008064422691026?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

“They want Netanyahu to lose, don’t let them win,” the billboard says, urging voters not to allow the group to prevail. Netanyahu also reposted a photograph of the billboard on social media with the caption: “Don’t let them win.”&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/economic-isolation-like-never-seen-before-hormuz-blockade-continuation-us-treasury-secretary-s-fresh-threat-for-iran-1786686121642">‘Economic isolation like never seen before, Hormuz blockade continuation’: US Treasury Secretary’s fresh threat to Iran</a>&nbsp;Social media posts claimed the billboard was located in Jerusalem, but the advertisement is actually displayed in Tel Aviv overlooking the Ayalon Highway. The billboard has also drawn a mocking response from rival Israeli politicians and political parties, who created their own versions of the advertisement.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/treachery-of-puppet-rulers-iran-s-hardline-newspaper-rails-against-mecca-defence-pact-accuses-muslim-leaders-of-abandoning-palestinians-1786429230978">‘Treachery of puppet rulers’: Iran’s hardline newspaper rails against Mecca defence pact, accuses Muslim leaders of abandoning Palestinians</a>&nbsp;Yashar, the party led by former Israel Defence Forces chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot, posted a modified version reading: “They want the IDF to collapse, don’t let Netanyahu win.”&nbsp;The billboard comes ahead of Israel’s October election campaign, with Likud using Mamdani’s inclusion alongside senior Iranian, Turkish and Hezbollah figures to portray opposition to Netanyahu as aligned with his regional adversaries.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-are-not-having-negotiations-with-us-iran-denies-trump-s-claim-says-working-with-oman-on-temporary-hormuz-shipping-route-1785750172437">‘We are not having negotiations with US’: Iran denies Trump’s claim, says working with Oman on temporary Hormuz shipping route</a>&nbsp;

Israel’s Likud party launched a Tel Aviv billboard framing New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani alongside Iranian, Turkish, and Hezbollah leaders as regional rivals who want Benjamin Netanyahu to lose October’s election.

Israel’s ruling Likud party has launched a billboard featuring New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani alongside Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem, accusing the four of wanting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to lose the upcoming October election. Also read: Iran’s new ‘infiltration’ bill could turn foreign contacts into crimes: Journalists and others face prison under proposed law. Details inside

Israel’s Likud party launched a Tel Aviv billboard framing New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani alongside Iranian, Turkish, and Hezbollah leaders as regional rivals who want Benjamin Netanyahu to lose October’s election.

Netanyahu’s party puts Mamdani alongside Khamenei, Erdogan and Hezbollah chief in election ad

Israel heads to a national election on October 27, the first since the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack that transformed the country's, as well as West Asia's, political and security landscape.With less than three months to go, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appears to have narrowed the gap with his main challenger in the race for public support.A new Channel 12 television poll shows Netanyahu and former Israel Defence Forces chief Gadi Eisenkot tied, with 38 per cent of respondents saying they would prefer each of them to lead the country.The result marks a significant turnaround for Netanyahu. Earlier this month, the same broadcaster found Eisenkot leading with 43 per cent support compared with Netanyahu's 34 per cent.Israel does not directly elect its prime minister. Voters choose members of the 120-seat Knesset, and the leader most likely to form a governing coalition becomes prime minister.The poll projects the anti-Netanyahu bloc, excluding Arab parties, at 60 seats, just one short of the 61 needed for a majority.Netanyahu's bloc is projected to win 50 seats, while Arab parties are expected to secure the remaining 10.The survey also projects Eisenkot's Yashar Party as the largest in parliament with 23 seats, followed closely by Netanyahu's Likud with 22.When asked what would shape their vote, 32 per cent of respondents identified Israel's handling of the multi-front war as their top concern, while 25 per cent pointed to the cost of living and the economy.Even as Israel prepares for a political future, both Gazans and Israelis continue to reel from the impact of the war.Gazan health officials say at least three Palestinians were killed and more than 16 others were injured in two Israeli airstrikes in Gaza City and the Khan Younis area.The Israeli military says it targeted two military operatives.According to the Gaza Health Ministry, more than 1,200 Palestinians have been killed since the October 2025 ceasefire took effect, while the ministry says the overall death toll in Gaza since October 2023 has crossed 73,000.Israel is also facing growing concern over the mental health of its armed forces.Israeli newspaper Haaretz reports that two female active-duty soldiers died by suicide over the past two days, taking the number of active-duty military suicides this year to at least 16.The report says the annual total rose from seven in the final months of 2023 to 21 in 2024 and 22 in 2025, the highest level in 15 years, with several cases linked to combat service and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) associated with the Gaza war.

A new poll shows Benjamin Netanyahu tied with Gadi Eisenkot ahead of Israel's October 27 election, as security, the Gaza war and the economy dominate voter concerns.

Israel heads to a national election on October 27, the first since the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack that transformed the country's, as well as West Asia's, political and security landscape. With less than three months to go, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appears to have narrowed the gap with his main challenger in the race for public support. A new Channel 12 television poll shows Netanyahu and former Israel Defence Forces chief Gadi Eisenkot tied, with 38 per cent of respondents saying they would prefer each of them to lead the country. The result marks a significant turnaround for Netanyahu. Earlier this month, the same broadcaster found Eisenkot leading with 43 per cent support compared with Netanyahu's 34 per cent. Israel does not directly elect its prime minister. Voters choose members of the 120-seat Knesset, and the leader most likely to form a governing coalition becomes prime minister. The poll projects the anti-Netanyahu bloc, excluding Arab parties, at 60 seats, just one short of the 61 needed for a majority. Netanyahu's bloc is projected to win 50 seats, while Arab parties are expected to secure the remaining 10. The survey also projects Eisenkot's Yashar Party as the largest in parliament with 23 seats, followed closely by Netanyahu's Likud with 22. When asked what would shape their vote, 32 per cent of respondents identified Israel's handling of the multi-front war as their top concern, while 25 per cent pointed to the cost of living and the economy. Even as Israel prepares for a political future, both Gazans and Israelis continue to reel from the impact of the war. Gazan health officials say at least three Palestinians were killed and more than 16 others were injured in two Israeli airstrikes in Gaza City and the Khan Younis area. The Israeli military says it targeted two military operatives. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, more than 1,200 Palestinians have been killed since the October 2025 ceasefire took effect, while the ministry says the overall death toll in Gaza since October 2023 has crossed 73,000. Israel is also facing growing concern over the mental health of its armed forces. Israeli newspaper Haaretz reports that two female active-duty soldiers died by suicide over the past two days, taking the number of active-duty military suicides this year to at least 16. The report says the annual total rose from seven in the final months of 2023 to 21 in 2024 and 22 in 2025, the highest level in 15 years, with several cases linked to combat service and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) associated with the Gaza war.

A new poll shows Benjamin Netanyahu tied with Gadi Eisenkot ahead of Israel's October 27 election, as security, the Gaza war and the economy dominate voter concerns.

Gravitas | Netanyahu's poll numbers rise amid internal turmoil

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing a defining political battle ahead of the 2026 elections, with his decade-long dominance under pressure from public anger over the October 7 security failures, the prolonged Gaza war and growing calls for leadership change. While Netanyahu remains a powerful figure with a loyal support base, opinion polls indicate that his ruling coalition could face a tough fight to secure a parliamentary majority as opposition parties attempt to reshape Israel’s political landscape. Here are the biggest challenges that Netanyahu is facing.<h2>Fallout from October 7 security failure</h2>The October 7, 2023 Hamas attack remains one of the biggest challenges to Benjamin Netanyahu’s political future, as questions continue to surround the government’s failure to prevent the deadliest assault on Israel in decades. Despite Netanyahu’s long-standing image as a leader focused on national security, critics have accused his administration of intelligence and policy failures that allowed the attack to happen. Public demands for accountability, including calls for investigations into the security breakdown, have continued to put pressure on the prime minister and could become a major factor influencing voter sentiment in the 2026 election.Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-russia-ukraine-war-is-reshaping-energy-flows-food-prices-defence-spending-and-india-s-strategy-wion-decodes-1783337395169"> How Russia-Ukraine war is reshaping energy flows, food prices, defence spending and India’s strategy | WION Decodes</a><h2>Handling of hostage situation, Gaza war</h2>Netanyahu has faced criticism over the handling of the hostage situation in Gaza, with many expressing concerns over the safety of Israeli’s held captive by Hamas during the war. While the hostage situation has ended and a ceasefire has been reached in Gaza, the Israeli leader faces mounting pressure over other prolonged wars.Iran and Lebanon threatsAnother major concern for Netanyahu is continued fighting with Iran-backed Hezbollah in southern Lebanon and the Iranian threats. The looming uncertainty over the conflicts has kept fears of a wider regional conflict. Although a ceasefire was reached with Iran, the public remains divided on whether Israel achieved victory. According to a poll by The Institute for National Security Studies, only 15 per cent believe Israel emerged victorious. As per the survey, 43 per cent believe the war ended without a decisive outcome, while 37per cent believe Iran won.<h2>Coalition instability</h2>Netanyahu’s reliance on a right-wing and religious coalition remains a major vulnerability. During his term, there have been several disagreements among coalition partners over war policy, hostage negotiations and domestic issues, which have repeatedly tested the government’s stability. Any internal split could weaken Netanyahu before the election and damage his ability to present himself as a leader capable of managing Israel’s crises.Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-japan-summit-how-global-energy-shocks-are-bringing-india-and-japan-closer-iran-russia-ukraine-1783005038442"> India-Japan Summit: How global energy shocks are bringing India and Japan closer</a><h2>Growing demand for political change</h2>Public frustration over years of prolonged war has fueled calls for new leadership in Israel. Even though Netanyahu still holds a loyal voter base, polls have indicated his coalition faces a tough path to securing the 61 seats needed to form a government.<h2>Opposition consolidation</h2>The opposition’s ability to unite could determine how serious the challenge becomes for Netanyahu. Figures such as former military leaders have emerged as potential alternatives, but opposition parties still face the challenge of building a common platform. Recent reporting suggests Netanyahu remains politically resilient, but rivals are attempting to capitalise on voter dissatisfaction.Watch | US-Iran war: Iran retaliates against US allies in Gulf after US strikes<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-war-iran-retaliates-against-us-allies-in-gulf-after-us-strikes-1783941110551/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-war-iran-retaliates-against-us-allies-in-gulf-after-us-strikes-1783941110551/embed</a>&nbsp;

Netanyahu’s political future faces a tough test ahead of the 2026 election, with public sentiment, internal pressures and shifting alliances set to play a crucial role in determining the outcome.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing a defining political battle ahead of the 2026 elections, with his decade-long dominance under pressure from public anger over the October 7 security failures, the prolonged Gaza war and growing calls for leadership change. While Netanyahu remains a powerful figure with a loyal support base, opinion polls indicate that his ruling coalition could face a tough fight to secure a parliamentary majority as opposition parties attempt to reshape Israel’s political landscape. Here are the biggest challenges that Netanyahu is facing. Fallout from October 7 security failure The October 7, 2023 Hamas attack remains one of the biggest challenges to Benjamin Netanyahu’s political future, as questions continue to surround the government’s failure to prevent the deadliest assault on Israel in decades. Despite Netanyahu’s long-standing image as a leader focused on national security, critics have accused his administration of intelligence and policy failures that allowed the attack to happen. Public demands for accountability, including calls for investigations into the security breakdown, have continued to put pressure on the prime minister and could become a major factor influencing voter sentiment in the 2026 election. Also read | How Russia-Ukraine war is reshaping energy flows, food prices, defence spending and India’s strategy | WION Decodes Handling of hostage situation, Gaza war Netanyahu has faced criticism over the handling of the hostage situation in Gaza, with many expressing concerns over the safety of Israeli’s held captive by Hamas during the war. While the hostage situation has ended and a ceasefire has been reached in Gaza, the Israeli leader faces mounting pressure over other prolonged wars. Iran and Lebanon threats Another major concern for Netanyahu is continued fighting with Iran-backed Hezbollah in southern Lebanon and the Iranian threats. The looming uncertainty over the conflicts has kept fears of a wider regional conflict. Although a ceasefire was reached with Iran, the public remains divided on whether Israel achieved victory. According to a poll by The Institute for National Security Studies, only 15 per cent believe Israel emerged victorious. As per the survey, 43 per cent believe the war ended without a decisive outcome, while 37per cent believe Iran won. Coalition instability Netanyahu’s reliance on a right-wing and religious coalition remains a major vulnerability. During his term, there have been several disagreements among coalition partners over war policy, hostage negotiations and domestic issues, which have repeatedly tested the government’s stability. Any internal split could weaken Netanyahu before the election and damage his ability to present himself as a leader capable of managing Israel’s crises. Also read | India-Japan Summit: How global energy shocks are bringing India and Japan closer Growing demand for political change Public frustration over years of prolonged war has fueled calls for new leadership in Israel. Even though Netanyahu still holds a loyal voter base, polls have indicated his coalition faces a tough path to securing the 61 seats needed to form a government. Opposition consolidation The opposition’s ability to unite could determine how serious the challenge becomes for Netanyahu. Figures such as former military leaders have emerged as potential alternatives, but opposition parties still face the challenge of building a common platform. Recent reporting suggests Netanyahu remains politically resilient, but rivals are attempting to capitalise on voter dissatisfaction. Watch | US-Iran war: Iran retaliates against US allies in Gulf after US strikes https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-war-iran-retaliates-against-us-allies-in-gulf-after-us-strikes-1783941110551/embed

Netanyahu’s political future faces a tough test ahead of the 2026 election, with public sentiment, internal pressures and shifting alliances set to play a crucial role in determining the outcome.

Israel Knesset election 2026: Biggest challenges threatening Netanyahu’s political future

In a major political development in Jerusalem, former prime ministers Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid have announced a joint alliance ahead of upcoming elections.

The two leaders—who previously shared power in a historic coalition—are now merging forces to challenge longtime Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Their new political bloc aims to unite Israel’s divided opposition and present a stronger alternative to Netanyahu’s leadership.

A key campaign focus is expected to be accountability for the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, an issue that continues to shape public debate and political strategy.

Israel Elections 2026: Bennett & Lapid Unite to Challenge Netanyahu’s Power

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Netanyahu’s party puts Mamdani alongside Khamenei, Erdogan and Hezbollah chief in election ad

Gravitas | Netanyahu's poll numbers rise amid internal turmoil

Israel election 2026: What are Netanyahu’s biggest political challenges?

Israel Elections 2026: Bennett & Lapid Unite to Challenge Netanyahu’s Power