Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has confirmed his plan to seek reelection in the upcoming 2026 election, saying he expects to win.
Speaking on the right-wing Channel 14 program on Saturday, Netanyahu was asked about his political future. When questioned directly about his plans to run, he replied, “Yes.” Asked if he expected to win, the veteran leader again said, “Yes.”
Netanyahu, who leads the right-wing Likud Party, already holds the record as Israel’s longest-serving prime minister. He has led the country for more than 18 years in total since first taking office in 1996, with several breaks in between.
In the last national elections, his Likud Party secured 32 seats in the Knesset. Its ultra-Orthodox allies won 18 seats, while the Religious Zionism coalition gained 14, forming a dominant right-wing bloc.
However, Netanyahu’s current administration has faced intense protests over a controversial judicial reform plan that many Israelis opposed. For months, tens of thousands of demonstrators filled the streets, demanding the reforms be scrapped.
The Netanyahu 2026 election bid also comes amid growing criticism from families of hostages captured during the ongoing conflict with Hamas. The criticism stems from Netanyahu’s handling of the war, which began after Hamas launched its unprecedented October 7, 2023, assault from Gaza.
Despite political unrest and public discontent, Netanyahu remains confident in his leadership and chances of victory in 2026.
