Gaza, October 21, 2026 — Palestinians are looking to Israel’s upcoming parliamentary election as a possible turning point after years of war, displacement and uncertainty, with some hoping that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s removal from power could open the door to improved conditions.
Israel is scheduled to hold its general election on October 27. The vote will determine the composition of the 120-seat Knesset, and the next prime minister will depend on which political bloc can assemble enough support to form a government. Netanyahu faces a challenge from opposition forces led by former military chief Gadi Eisenkot, although neither side is assured of securing a parliamentary majority.
According to a report published by The National on October 20, some Palestinians in Gaza have postponed major personal and economic decisions, including marriage plans and rebuilding damaged homes, while waiting to see how the Israeli election unfolds. Residents facing destruction and displacement said they hoped a change in Israeli leadership might improve their circumstances, while acknowledging that the outcome remained uncertain.
The election campaign has also drawn attention to Palestinian citizens of Israel, who make up about one-fifth of the country’s population and have the right to vote. Arab political leaders are urging higher voter turnout in an effort to weaken Netanyahu’s governing bloc and increase their influence over the formation of the next government. Reuters reported that their electoral strength could become significant in a closely divided parliament.
However, a change in government would not automatically guarantee a major shift in Israeli policy towards Palestinians. Al Jazeera’s analysis of the election noted that opposition parties differ from Netanyahu on some issues but share several core positions concerning Gaza and the occupied West Bank. Coalition negotiations and the policies adopted by any incoming government will therefore be important in determining whether Palestinians experience meaningful changes.
With the vote approaching, hopes among some Palestinians remain tied to an election in which those living in Gaza and the occupied West Bank do not participate as Israeli voters. Whether Netanyahu remains in power or a new coalition takes office, the consequences for Palestinian lives will depend on the decisions taken by the next Israeli government.
