Netanyahu Declares Run for Israel’s 2026 Elections to Continue Occupation Rule

Benjamin Netanyahu publicly declared on Israel’s Channel 14 that he will run again, aiming to extend his long rule into the November 2026 elections.

“ByIANS| Updated:October 19, 2025 10:46 IST2025-10-19T10:41:04+5:302025-10-19T10:46:08+5:30 Jerusalem, Oct 19 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that he will run for office again in the 2026 parliamentary elections”

lokmattimes

He says he expects to win.

lokmattimes

Multiple outlets confirm the on-air announcement and his confidence, while also noting his record length in office and right-wing leadership of Likud and its coalition.

Reports add that he is nearing his 76th birthday and has previously been ousted and then returned to power.

West Asian coverage also underscores that he is running despite facing cases at the International Criminal Court and domestic corruption trials dating back years.

Sources link Netanyahu’s plan to his agenda in Gaza.

Fakti.bg reports that he says the war will end only after a second phase that disarms the militant group and demilitarizes the Gaza Strip, including confiscating weapons.

Mena FN

Lokmattimes outlines a ceasefire’s first phase involving prisoner exchanges, humanitarian aid entry, and a partial Israeli withdrawal.

The same source also reports that Netanyahu ordered the Rafah crossing to remain closed until the militant group fulfills its obligations, blocking Palestinians from returning despite a Cairo embassy plan to reopen the crossing.

West Asian reports add that Israel is considering new sanctions on the militant group if it refuses to continue returning bodies.

Asian coverage from South Korea describes a U.S.-mediated first phase of a Gaza initiative.

Political headwinds are central to coverage of Netanyahu's current situation.

“Home Nation States International Politics Opinion Economy Sports Entertainment Trending: Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said he will seek another term in the November 2026 parliamentary elections”

News Arena India

Western mainstream fakti.bg notes mass protests against Netanyahu’s judicial overhaul and criticism from hostages’ families.

West Asian Al-Jazeera Net recounts how protests triggered by controversial reforms later eased after Israel’s military actions in Gaza.

News Arena India stresses a sharp popularity decline tied to the Gaza war, the judicial bill, a hostage crisis, an alleged QatarGate scandal, and continuing corruption charges.

Mena FN and others report that despite these challenges, Netanyahu believes he will win.

Security posture features prominently in some accounts.

Fakti.bg reports that Netanyahu links ending the conflict to disarming Hamas and demilitarizing Gaza.

RBC-Ukraine

West Asian sources report that Israel is threatening additional sanctions to coerce the return of bodies.

News Arena India underscores Netanyahu’s hard-line stance that extends beyond Gaza.

It reports he initiated a recent air campaign against Iran and may pursue further action.

Netanyahu also touts himself as the only leader who can ensure Israel’s security by leveraging ties with former U.S. President Donald Trump.

The electoral math and power base are consistent across outlets.

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Українські Національні Новини

Mena FN notes Likud’s 32 seats in 2022 and the 64-seat bloc that recommended Netanyahu to form a government.

Українські Національні Новини

Korean and Asian coverage echoes a 64-seat right-wing coalition aligned with far-right partners.

Lokmattimes and Mena FN add that he will soon turn 76 and has served multiple terms, including a return to office in December 2022.

Several outlets emphasize his record as the longest-serving prime minister.