Briefing, October 14, 2026
What changed in Israel's 2026 election that day, in a few sentences. Each sentence links the report it rests on.
Parties and candidates
With under two weeks until the October 27 election, Gadi Eisenkot's Yashar party launched its campaign aiming to draw votes from the opposition bloc and overtake Likud. Jerusalem Post
Candidate Davidi Ben Zion quit Ofer Winter's People of Israel party amid pressure from Likud and Bezalel Smotrich, who are urging smaller right-wing factions to withdraw from the race. Jerusalem PostTimes of Israel
Beyond the campaign
Shas leader Arye Deri announced that there will be no government in Israel with his party's support or participation unless the status of yeshiva students is regulated. Jerusalem Post
Ben-Gvir also refused to sign a surplus vote sharing agreement with People of Israel, calling Winter Bennett II. Jerusalem Post
According to the Jerusalem Post, both Benjamin Netanyahu's bloc and Eisenkot's opposition camp are struggling to secure a governing majority. Jerusalem Post
Former Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar filed a defamation suit against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over prewar warnings, prompting opposition leaders to demand a state inquiry and Netanyahu's resignation. HaaretzTimes of Israel
Netanyahu responded by asking why Bar had not called him before the attack, while also telling Army Radio that there are signs adversaries may attempt an attack before the election. HaaretzHaaretz