In a televised appearance on the right-wing Channel 14, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed his intention to run in the November 2026 elections. When questioned about his candidacy and prospects for victory, Netanyahu confidently responded, ‘Yes’ to both inquiries. The announcement comes as Netanyahu, leader of the Likud party, continues to navigate a politically charged landscape. Netanyahu, who has served as Israel’s prime minister for over 18 years since 1996, holds the record for the longest tenure in the role. His leadership has been marked by significant achievements and controversies alike. In the most recent elections, Likud secured 32 seats in the Knesset, with its ultra-Orthodox allies and the Religious Zionism alliance adding 18 and 14 seats respectively, marking a strong showing for the far-right bloc. However, Netanyahu’s current term has been overshadowed by a contentious judicial overhaul plan that ignited widespread protests across Israel. Additionally, his handling of the ongoing conflict triggered by Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack from Gaza has drawn sharp criticism, particularly from families of hostages. Despite these challenges, Netanyahu remains a formidable figure in Israeli politics as he prepares for another electoral bid.