Gazans Monitor Tuesday Israeli Election Amid 65 Percent Occupation

Palestinians in Gaza are tracking the Israeli election scheduled for Tuesday with a mix of anxiety and cautious optimism.

Although a ceasefire has held since October 2025, residents report facing near-daily air strikes and a persistent siege that limits access to basic goods. The campaign has centered on the war, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu facing criticism over security failures preceding the Hamas-led attacks of October 7, 2023. Members of his far-right coalition have advocated for tougher measures, including the expulsion of Gaza's population.

Mohammed Eliyan, 36, was displaced from Jabalia refugee camp and now resides in Deir el-Balah with five children. He favors Gadi Eisenkot, a former military commander and Netanyahu's main rival, fearing that another term for Likud and its allies will bring further war. Eliyan noted, "They are still our enemy, and I don't expect things to improve dramatically," though he hopes the next leader will be less harsh.

Islam Salem, 41, displaced from Beit Lahiya, believes the outcome will affect his children's future, likely for the worse. He argued that elections primarily serve Israeli interests and that policy toward Gaza will remain consistent. Salem pointed to Israel's control of roughly 65 percent of the territory inside the Yellow Line. With more than 80 percent of buildings damaged and about two-thirds completely destroyed, he questioned the timeline for reconstruction. "We live day by day," he said. "Everything we feared has already happened."

Hanan Abu al-Maaza, 57, has been displaced more than 12 times. She said fear drives her interest in the vote, as she dreads worse treatment from the incoming government. If Netanyahu loses, she sees a better chance of returning to her home in Beit Lahiya. "We have had enough of war and destruction," she said. "There is nothing left to destroy, yet the suffering continues."

Manar Owaida, 23, and Mousa Ali, 33, both hope for an Eisenkot victory. Owaida, displaced in Gaza City, fears Netanyahu might trigger a wider regional war to relieve domestic pressure. Ali, a father of four, emphasized the importance of the Yellow Line for displaced residents seeking return. He hopes Arab parties perform strongly enough to influence the next government, though he expects limited change. Ali stated, "We hope this policy will end and that a new prime minister will stop this ongoing bloodshed."

Voting takes place Tuesday in Israel. Residents in Gaza await the results while continuing to live under the current security arrangements.