Israel Elections 2026: India Closely Tracks Political Developments as Netanyahu Faces Tough Fight

Israel elections 2026: As Israelis head to elect the 120 members of the 26th Knesset, or Parliament Tuesday, October 27, New Delhi is closely tracking the political developments there. For India, the key question is whether a change of regime in Jerusalem would impact New Delhi’s ties with Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces a tough fight from his closest rival, former army chief Gadi Eisenkot, and former premier Naftali Bennett, among others. Most pre-election surveys predicted a hung Parliament, with no party likely to secure a clear majority. However, defence, technology, and economic cooperation are expected to keep the partnership between India and Israel going. Speaking to news agency ANI on Monday, Mishelle Sirota, spokesperson for the Embassy of Israel in India, said, “India and Israel’s relationship will not change, even for the slightest, no matter who is going to be chosen.” She added that the embassy will support whichever party is elected to form the next government. Israeli author and political analyst Alec Pollard, speaking with PTI Videos, said, “Whoever wins the election, Israel and India will continue to be good friends and to be close.” He added that the relationship is highly valued by Israel. Pollard further said that a change in leadership could, however, bring a new dimension to bilateral relations, with a new prime minister’s ability to establish a rapport with Prime Minister Narendra Modi remaining a key factor. Israel Elections 2026 · Face-off Netanyahu vs opposition: Where do they stand? Where they overlap Sources: The Jerusalem Post; Al Jazeera; NPR; Ynet. Photos: AP (Netanyahu), Reuters (Eisenkot). India and Israel signed a memorandum of understanding on defence cooperation on November 4, 2025. During Modi’s visit to Israel in February 2026, the countries elevated their relationship to a “Special Strategic Partnership for Peace, Innovation and Prosperity” and committed to deeper cooperation in defence, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, semiconductors, quantum computing, agriculture, water management and space. The pacts provide an institutional foundation for continuity, although the next government’s policies will determine how individual projects progress. Bilateral trade, investment and negotiations for a proposed free trade agreement are further areas to watch. India and Israel are also involved in regional initiatives such as the I2U2 grouping – India, Israel, the United States and the United Arab Emirates – and the proposed India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). A change of leadership could influence diplomatic priorities and the tone of engagement, particularly amid wider tensions in West Asia. But existing agreements and shared interests offer a basis for continued cooperation. The election, therefore, may change the political dynamic between Modi and Israel’s next prime minister, without necessarily bringing a fundamental reset in bilateral ties. Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving prime minister, has built close ties with Modi. A Netanyahu victory would preserve the familiar leadership channel between New Delhi and Jerusalem, although the future course of bilateral ties would also depend on policy decisions and regional developments. For India, renewed conflict with Iran and its allies could raise concerns about energy supplies, regional trade and connectivity. New Delhi would have to balance its defence partnership with Israel against its broader economic and strategic interests in the Gulf and West Asia. (With inputs from agencies)