Updated

Israel is heading into parliamentary elections on October 27, with polling showing former military chief Gadi Eisenkot's bloc running ahead of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu amid a deadlocked race. Eisenkot has pledged not to join any Netanyahu-led government, even under a rotation deal, while smaller lists led by Ofer Winter and the Hendel-Zelekha Reservists-Economic party face pressure from both Netanyahu and rivals to drop out before they risk falling below the 3.25% electoral threshold. The campaign has drawn in US political figures, with former President Trump publicly endorsing Netanyahu and Vice President JD Vance saying he is not endorsing him, prompting editorials over foreign interference in Israeli democracy. Key issues include conscription, the economy and accountability for the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack, while Arab and Druze turnout, Bennett's security after threats, AIPAC's political role and a Likud minister's corruption probe have all become flashpoints. Israel's central bank also held rates while urging the next government toward fiscal discipline.