Not sure who to vote for? Here are the main political parties ahead of Israeli elections

Israel’s election on Tuesday brings together longstanding political rivals and new challengers competing over the country’s direction after three years of war.

Security dominates the campaign, alongside disputes over ultra-Orthodox military service, judicial independence and accountability for October 7.

Likud: Netanyahu campaigns on security and experience

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu presents himself as the leader best equipped to confront Israel’s enemies and manage its international relationships. Likud’s campaign highlights military achievements against Hamas, Hezbollah and Iran, while critics point to the October 7 attack occurring on his watch.

The right-wing party favors a strong military presence along Israel’s fronts and changes to the judiciary. Netanyahu’s dependence on ultra-Orthodox coalition partners complicates efforts to expand military recruitment, making the draft a central political challenge.

Yashar: Eisenkot offers security credentials and institutional reform

Former IDF chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot has emerged as a leading challenger to Netanyahu. His new party combines a security-focused approach with promises to rebuild public trust and strengthen democratic institutions.

Its priorities include a state commission of inquiry into October 7, rebuilding affected communities, military or national service for all, stronger public education and greater economic competition. Eisenkot also advocates a constitution and safeguards for an independent judiciary.

Beyachad: Bennett and Lapid seek a comeback

Former prime ministers Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid have joined forces in an alliance combining right-wing and centrist constituencies. Their platform emphasizes security, ultra-Orthodox integration into military service and employment, support for reservists and constitutional reform.

After losing ground earlier in the campaign, Beyachad has seen a modest recovery in recent weeks. Kan’s final poll gave it 14 seats, up two from the previous survey, while Channel 12 projected 15. The improvement strengthens its position in the opposition camp, although Bennett has not committed to backing Eisenkot for prime minister.

Yisrael Beiteinu: Hawkish security and secular government

Avigdor Lieberman’s party combines hard-line security policies with a strong secular agenda. Once associated primarily with immigrants from the former Soviet Union, it now seeks broader support among voters demanding universal service and reduced religious influence over public life.

Its priorities include military or national service for ultra-Orthodox and Arab citizens, greater separation between religion and state, and a tougher approach to Israel’s enemies. Lieberman’s opposition to cooperation with ultra-Orthodox and Arab parties could complicate coalition negotiations.

Otzma Yehudit: Ben-Gvir’s far-right security agenda

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir’s party advocates expanded Israeli sovereignty, settlement growth and a tougher approach to policing and terrorism.

Its proposals include Israeli resettlement of Gaza, encouraging Palestinian emigration, wider civilian access to firearms and the death penalty for terrorists. Supporters portray these policies as necessary for security; opponents regard them as extremist and damaging to Israel’s international standing.

Religious Zionism–Zehut: Settlements, Jewish identity and smaller government

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s Religious Zionism party is running with Moshe Feiglin’s Zehut. The alliance supports expanding settlements, extending Israeli sovereignty in the West Bank and opposing Palestinian statehood.

Religious Zionism emphasizes the state’s Jewish character and limiting judicial authority. Zehut brings a libertarian economic agenda centered on smaller government, reduced bureaucracy and greater private initiative.

The Democrats: Golan champions the Zionist left

Yair Golan leads the party formed through the merger of Labor and Meretz. It opposes annexation, favors a diplomatic resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and supports cooperation with moderate regional partners.

Domestically, it advocates stronger democratic safeguards, universal service, civil marriage, recognition of non-Orthodox conversions and greater investment in public services. Its willingness to cooperate with Arab parties distinguishes it from much of the Zionist opposition.

Shas and United Torah Judaism: Protecting ultra-Orthodox interests

Both parties prioritize Torah study, religious institutions and opposition to compulsory military service for yeshiva students.

Shas primarily represents Sephardi and Mizrahi ultra-Orthodox communities and also emphasizes assistance for lower-income households. United Torah Judaism represents Ashkenazi ultra-Orthodox communities, with a strong focus on religious education and communal autonomy. Their resistance to draft legislation is a major dividing line with opposition parties demanding a broader sharing of military service.

Ra’am: Abbas prioritizes practical gains for Arab citizens

Mansour Abbas’s Islamic-rooted, socially conservative party focuses on tackling crime, improving housing and securing investment in Arab communities.

Ra’am joined the Bennett-Lapid government in 2021 and argues that participation in government delivers more than remaining in opposition. This election, it has placed former senior police officer and Yesh Atid lawmaker Yoav Segalovitz second on its slate, reinforcing its focus on fighting organized crime and cooperation across communal lines.

Amcha Israel: Winter faces pressure from Netanyahu

Retired brigadier general Ofer Winter’s new right-wing party emphasizes decisive military action, opposition to Palestinian statehood and universal service. Its slate includes Arab Israeli activist Yoseph Haddad as Winter’s deputy, while its demands for sharing the service burden could create friction with ultra-Orthodox parties.

Despite Winter’s early endorsement of Netanyahu, Likud has intensified its campaign against Amcha Israel, arguing that votes could be lost if it fails to cross the 3.25% electoral threshold.

Candidate Davidi Ben Zion quit the slate amid pressure and concerns about wasting right-wing votes. Netanyahu welcomed his departure and urged others to follow.

Winter subsequently acknowledged that committing so early to recommending only Netanyahu might have been a mistake, while maintaining that he would remain in the right-wing camp. The dispute has become a prominent fight within the right as Amcha Israel battles to enter the Knesset.