Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced he will run in elections expected later this year, saying he intends to win despite criticism over his wartime leadership and an ongoing corruption trial. His statement — made after a Washington–Tehran de-escalation agreement — drew broad criticism at home, with figures like former PM Naftali Bennett calling the deal dangerous for Israel's security. The Likud party formally confirmed Netanyahu, 76, will seek re-election in a vote slated by the end of October.
Netanyahu Vows To Run In Upcoming Election, Says He Intends To Win Amid Wartime Criticism
Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has served as prime minister for nearly two decades across multiple terms (RONEN ZVULUN)(RONEN ZVULUN/POOL/AFP)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Monday that he will stand in national elections expected later this year, declaring he intends to win despite mounting domestic criticism over his wartime leadership and an ongoing corruption trial.
Campaign Announcement
Speaking at a televised press conference — his first public comments since Washington and Tehran announced a de-escalation agreement following strikes in late February — the 76-year-old leader said:
"I am going to run in the elections and intend to win."
Political Context
Netanyahu, Israel's longest-serving prime minister, has led the country through three years of conflict on multiple interconnected fronts. Opposition figures have stepped up criticism in recent months, accusing him of failing to deliver the military and political objectives he outlined after Hamas's October 2023 attack.
On Monday, politicians across the political spectrum condemned the US-Iran agreement, arguing it does not adequately safeguard Israel's security. Former prime minister Naftali Bennett described the deal as a "dangerous turn for Israel's security."
Earlier in June, Netanyahu's right-wing Likud party confirmed the 76-year-old would seek re-election in a vote scheduled by the end of October. The announcement followed public remarks by US President Donald Trump that questioned whether his long-time ally would run again.
Personal And Legal Challenges
Netanyahu is currently facing a corruption trial and has contended with recent health issues. Earlier this year he disclosed that surgeons had removed a "small, early-stage malignant tumour" from his prostate.
The coming months are likely to produce a heated campaign season as Netanyahu seeks to defend his record, respond to criticism from opponents, and persuade voters amid continuing regional uncertainty.
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