Saudi news channel Al Arabiya has published an extensive analysis of the key issues it says will shape Israel’s upcoming election on October 27, identifying national security, the October 7 failures, the Chareidi draft debate, and the economy as the dominant campaign issues.

According to the report, demands for a state commission of inquiry into the failures that led to Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack remain a central political issue. Opposition parties have pledged to establish an independent commission if they form the next government, while Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s government continues to oppose such a move, arguing that responsibility lies primarily with the security establishment.

Al Arabiya also pointed to Israel’s evolving security doctrine following October 7, noting that the IDF now maintains security zones in Gaza, southern Lebanon, and parts of Syria. The report said the prolonged military operations have raised questions about Israel’s ability to sustain forces on multiple fronts, particularly as reservists have been repeatedly called up and military leaders continue warning of manpower shortages.

The Saudi outlet identified the debate over mandatory military service for Chareidim as another major election issue. It noted that the Chareidi parties seek to preserve exemptions for yeshiva bochurim, with support from Netanyahu’s coalition, while opposition parties have pledged to eliminate the exemptions and have said they will not join a government that includes Chareidi parties.

According to the report, the debate has expanded beyond military service into broader questions about Israel’s Jewish identity, including recent legislation emphasizing Torah study and government measures encouraging gender separation in certain public settings. Supporters say the policies strengthen Israel’s Jewish character, while critics argue they increase religious influence in public life.

Despite the focus on security, Al Arabiya said the cost of living remains a major concern for many Israelis. While Israel’s economy has continued to grow and unemployment remains relatively low, the report cited OECD data ranking Israel among the world’s most expensive countries for everyday necessities, particularly housing and food. Economists attributed the high prices to longstanding structural issues, including housing shortages, limited competition, and trade restrictions.

The report concluded by noting that most recent opinion polls indicate Netanyahu’s chances of remaining in power have declined since the October 7 attack. It identified former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot, former Prime Ministers Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid, and former Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman as among the leading opposition figures ahead of the election.

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