Netanyahu says to run for PM again in Israel's 2026 elections
Jerusalem, Oct 19
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that he will run for office again in the 2026 parliamentary elections.
He made the announcement during an interview with Israel's Channel 14 on Saturday (local time), where he was asked if he intends to seek another term. "Yes," he replied.
When asked whether he expects to win, Netanyahu said, "Yes."
In the last Israeli elections in 2022, Netanyahu's right-wing Likud party won 32 seats, and he was recommended by 64 members of the 120-seat Israeli parliament, or Knesset, to be qualified to form a government, reports Xinhua news agency.
Netanyahu was sworn in as the country's prime minister in December of that year, and has been leading an extreme-right coalition ever since.
Netanyahu will turn 76 next week. He served as Israel's prime minister from 1996 to 1999 and again from 2009 to 2021, before being ousted in June 2021 by a centrist coalition formed by Yair Lapid and Naftali Bennett.
In a separate development, Netanyahu's office announced that the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip will not open until further notice.
Its opening will be under consideration in accordance with how Hamas implements its part in the return of the deceased hostages and the implementation of the agreed framework, the Israeli Prime Minister's Office said in a statement.
The Palestinian Embassy in Cairo announced earlier in the day that the Rafah border crossing will reopen on Monday to allow Palestinians residing in Egypt who wish to return to Gaza to pass.
The Israel Defense Forces said early Saturday in a statement that it had received the body of the 10th deceased Israeli hostage held in Gaza from Hamas, apart from all the remaining 20 living hostages.
A ceasefire, mediated by Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and the United States, went into effect on Oct. 10. Its first phase includes the exchange of prisoners and detainees, the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza, and a partial withdrawal of Israeli forces.
Under the agreement, Hamas is obliged to return the bodies of 18 more deceased Israeli hostages.
— IANS
Reader Comments
The Rafah border situation is concerning. Humanitarian aid should be prioritized for civilians in Gaza. India has always stood for peaceful resolutions and dialogue. Hope the ceasefire holds and more hostages are returned safely.
While I respect democratic processes, maybe Israel needs fresh leadership after so many years. In India, we've seen how new perspectives can bring positive change. The extreme-right coalition approach seems quite rigid.
Interesting to see how international mediation by Egypt, Qatar, Turkey and US is working. India has good relations with all these countries. Hope the peace process continues successfully. The hostage exchange is a positive step forward.
Netanyahu's confidence is remarkable! "Yes" to both questions - running and expecting to win. Reminds me of our Indian politicians during election season. The political drama in Israel is as intense as ours! 😄
The humanitarian aspect concerns me most. Ordinary Palestinians wanting to return home through Rafah crossing deserve consideration. As Indians, we understand displacement and refugee crises. Hope all parties find a compassionate solution.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.