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.Also read | Israel election guide: How 120-seat Knesset vote works, key candidates, and what’s at stake for GazaSpeaking 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.Story continues below this ad Israel Elections 2026 · Face-offNetanyahu vs opposition: Where do they stand?APBenjamin NetanyahuPrime minister, LikudREUTERSGadi EisenkotYashar leader, ex-army chiefVS1. Pick an issueIranGazaStatehoodSecurity2. ShowOn the recordWhat they have doneCampaign trailWhat they promiseNetanyahuDOCUMENTEDWent to war with Iran, twice12-day war in June 2025; joint US strikes on Feb 28, 2026, in which Khamenei was killed.NPREisenkotDOCUMENTEDRan a covert air war on Iran in SyriaAs army chief (2015–19), struck thousands of targets, disclosed in 2019.YnetNetanyahuCAMPAIGN“Break Iran’s murderous regime”Wants the threat removed and “multiple peace treaties”.Jerusalem Post interview, Oct 21EisenkotCAMPAIGNA US “kill zone” around Iran’s uraniumNo deal that only delays the threat; more covert Mossad operations.As reported by The Jerusalem PostNetanyahuDOCUMENTEDSigned on to Trump’s ceasefireAgreed to the US-brokered Gaza truce in October 2025.The Jerusalem PostEisenkotDOCUMENTEDQuit the war cabinetLeft in June 2024, saying “politics infiltrated” its decisions.Resignation letter to NetanyahuNetanyahuCAMPAIGN“Absolute victory” over HamasRebuilding only after Hamas fully disarms.The Jerusalem PostEisenkotCAMPAIGNPartial rebuilding for partial disarmamentWould accept the Palestinian Authority in Gaza if Hamas is kept out.The Jerusalem PostNetanyahuDOCUMENTEDCoalition voted against a Palestinian stateKnesset resolution, July 2024: passed 68–9.Knesset vote, July 18, 2024EisenkotDOCUMENTEDHis then-party backed the same voteNational Unity supported it; its MK Ze’ev Elkin sponsored it.Knesset vote, July 18, 2024NetanyahuCAMPAIGN“No Palestinian state, period.”His “first principle” for any government he forms.Jerusalem Post interview, Oct 21EisenkotCAMPAIGN“Two states… is a mistake”No move towards a state, “certainly not during a first term”.Al Jazeera; The Jerusalem PostNetanyahuDOCUMENTEDDropped detention orders for Jewish extremistsEnded in January 2025; 100+ West Bank farms allowed.The Jerusalem PostEisenkotDOCUMENTEDIsrael’s army chief, 2015–19Earlier headed the army’s Northern Command.The Jerusalem PostNetanyahuCAMPAIGNKeep the full buffer zonesLebanon zone deeper than 10 km in places.The Jerusalem PostEisenkotCAMPAIGNA state inquiry into October 7“Netanyahu was warned and did not act.” Also: draft the Haredim.Al JazeeraWhere they overlapNo Palestinian state nowEnd Hamas rule in GazaSecurity zones in Lebanon & SyriaThe Jerusalem Post analysis, Oct 19; Al JazeeraSources: The Jerusalem Post; Al Jazeera; NPR; Ynet. Photos: AP (Netanyahu), Reuters (Eisenkot). Express InfoGenIE Created by Aniruddha DharDefence and technology remain key pillarsIndia 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.Trade and regional connectivityBilateral 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).Also read | Interactive: Netanyahu vs Eisenkot and the battle for 61 seats in Israel elections 2026A 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.Story continues below this adThe election, therefore, may change the political dynamic between Modi and Israel’s next prime minister, without necessarily bringing a fundamental reset in bilateral ties.What if Netanyahu winsNetanyahu, 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)