László Czczmann, a Middle East expert at Corvinus University in Budapest, Hungary, stated that the upcoming Israeli election is essentially a referendum on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Hamas attacks have "changed Israeli society." Israel has been at war since October 7, 2023, and Netanyahu's so-called "seven-front war" has undoubtedly exhausted Israeli society. The side that can better convince voters that it can protect its people is likely to win. Other election issues include mandatory military service, which is particularly sensitive for religious Jewish parties and ultra-Orthodox communities. Military service is mandatory for most Jewish, Druze, and Circassian Israelis over the age of 18, while most other Arab Israelis are exempt. The conscription of ultra-Orthodox men remains a major legal and political controversy. Furthermore, economic issues also dominate the political election due to the war and high military spending. Israel currently spends approximately 8% of its GDP on military expenditures. Almost every family has at least one soldier or reservist drafted, away from work for months at a time.
