Growing concerns over integrity of Israel's October election

Concerns are being raised about the integrity of Israel's upcoming general election, with politicians, civil society organizations, and even President Isaac Herzog warning of the risk of political interference in the vote.

Israelis will make the final decision on the country's next government and prime minister when they cast ballots in the legislative election on October 27, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seeking another term in office.

However, there is growing anxiety about the future of Israeli democracy amid apparent efforts by Netanyahu's government to consolidate power. A poll by the Israel Democracy Institute found that nearly three-quarters of Jewish Israelis are worried about the integrity of the 2026 election, while 43% expressed optimism about the future of democratic governance in Israel.

Opposition leader Yair Lapid, former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, and President Herzog have all voiced concerns about the vote. In a televised address in mid-July, Herzog expressed worries about interference in the election and the risk of violence after meeting with the head of the election committee and the Shin Bet domestic security agency.

Using biblical stories as examples of the dangers of internal strife, President Herzog urged the public not to "cross red lines" during the campaign season. "I call on elected representatives, activists, and all candidates from every party, asking you not to cross red lines. Do not turn opponents into enemies," Herzog said. "I appeal to the people of Israel with a clear voice: Remember that elections are not a civil war."

The ruling coalition is expected to continue its campaign, which began in 2021, to escape judicial oversight—a deeply divisive issue in the country. Netanyahu, who is on trial for corruption charges, is also seeking to delay an independent investigation into the Hamas-led incursion of October 2023, which has drawn criticism over his handling of security matters.

Increasing international criticism of Israel's genocidal war in Gaza, settler violence in the occupied West Bank, and Israel's multi-front conflict with neighbors in Lebanon, Yemen, Syria, and Iran are also likely to be hot topics in the election.

Knesset member Ofer Cassif, who survived a no-confidence vote in June, told Al Jazeera that violence has become part of Israel's political landscape, particularly in the occupied West Bank. "There is no need to speculate about the possibility of violence—it is already happening," he said. "We are seeing anti-government activists, and not only Palestinians but also Israeli citizens being arrested, and even judges harassed by far-right militias supporting the government."

Cassif said that "problematic" candidates, such as members of his left-wing Hadash party, are preparing for government efforts to bar them from running. He also warned of rising unrest before election day, which could lead to attempts to prevent voting in areas with significant Palestinian populations within Israel. "Then after the election, suppose—purely for analytical purposes—the results go against the government. What then? What if they refuse to leave office? Who will remove them, Ben-Gvir's police or Netanyahu's Shin Bet?" he asked. "They have already been subjugated... This is a very dangerous moment we are moving toward."

Even members of Netanyahu's right-wing Likud party have voiced criticism, with some opposing the appointment of Dean Livne as acting chairman of the Central Election Committee. Lawmaker Avichay Buaron called him "clearly politically biased," while Foreign Minister Amichai Chikli said the appointment casts a "heavy shadow" over the election's integrity.

The ruling coalition has cut 50 million new shekels (about $15 million) from the committee's budget, despite warnings of foreign interference and risks posed by artificial intelligence in the vote. The government has also been accused of opposing efforts to expand voting rights in nursing homes. Allegations have also been directed at the office of Transportation Minister Miri Regev over restricting flights to Ben Gurion Airport before the election, which could hinder left-leaning overseas voters from flying to Israel to vote against Netanyahu.

Therese Pearce Laanela of the intergovernmental election watchdog International IDEA said: "There is always tension between any ruling party in power and a fair election. Essentially, their responsibility is twofold: ensuring the law is in place to hold elections and providing resources to ensure they are conducted fairly. What they must not do is undermine the election body or publicly criticize it... There can be a disconnect between perception and reality."

Political analyst Ori Goldberg suggested that many Israelis now view Netanyahu as a constant in political life. Some attribute to him the powers of a "wizard," able to conjure a new tactic or escape from any situation in each Israeli election. "People always expect Netanyahu to do whatever it takes to hold onto power, regardless of the cost," Goldberg said. "Every Israeli election is described as seismic, but this one might truly be so. If this coalition returns to power, it's Israel telling the world it accepts multiple wars, accepts forced starvation—and accepts genocide."