Israeli politicians react following a vote to dissolve the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, before the end of its term, at the Knesset, in Jerusalem, May 20, 2026. Photo: REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun

Israel has never lacked enemies. From the moment the Jewish State declared independence in 1948, it has faced military invasions, terrorism, diplomatic isolation, and relentless campaigns to undermine its legitimacy. Yet today, one of the greatest threats to Israel may not come from beyond its borders — but from within.

As someone who lives in the Netherlands and founded the organization supporting Israel, I have always been careful not to interfere in Israel’s domestic politics. I am not an Israeli citizen. I cannot vote in Israeli elections, nor should I tell Israelis which political party deserves their support. My mission has always been different. I defend Israel’s right to exist, challenge misinformation, and promote a truthful image of the country abroad. I support Israel as a nation, not any particular government.

That is precisely why I am increasingly concerned about the situation. Israel’s democracy is one of its greatest achievements. In a region dominated by dictatorships, monarchies, and authoritarian regimes, Israel remains a nation where governments can be replaced peacefully, where citizens are free to criticize their leaders, and where vigorous public debate is not only accepted but encouraged.

That democracy is worth protecting. Over recent years, Israel has experienced repeated waves of mass demonstrations, growing hostility between opposing political camps, disputes over judicial reform, accusations of betrayal from every direction, and an increasingly toxic public atmosphere. These divisions did not disappear after the Hamas massacre of October 7, 2023.

Israel now approaches another defining moment. On October 27, 2026, Israelis will elect all 120 members of the Knesset. Under Israel’s proportional electoral system, voters cast ballots for political parties rather than individual candidates. Any party receiving at least 3.25 percent of the national vote qualifies for representation in parliament. Forming a government requires the support of at least 61 members of the Knesset.

The mathematics appear simple but Israeli politics never is. Current expectations suggest that around 10 parties could enter parliament. Coalition negotiations, political alliances, and last minute agreements will likely determine who governs the country far more than which party finishes first.

Naturally, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will dominate much of the campaign. Supporters see him as an experienced wartime leader capable of navigating unprecedented regional threats. Critics believe Israel requires new leadership after years of political instability and the failures exposed by October 7.

Regardless of where one stands politically, one principle should remain unquestionable: election results deserve respect.

Benjamin Netanyahu became prime minister because Israeli voters gave him that mandate. In every democracy, governments are changed through elections, not through endless attempts to delegitimize electoral outcomes. Equally important, criticism should remain focused on elected officials and their policies rather than turning family members or personal relationships into political battlegrounds.

Additionally, public disagreements between senior political leaders and the military have become increasingly visible. Defense Minister Israel Katz’s announcement that he intended to replace Central Command chief Major General Avi Bluth over policy disagreements concerning Judea and Samaria illustrated tensions that normally remain behind closed doors.

Healthy democracies experience disagreements. Healthy democracies also understand when unity serves the national interest.

Likewise, some political actions, although driven by understandable frustration, have sometimes damaged Israel’s international position. Strong emotions are inevitable during war, but every public appearance, every statement, and every political gesture is instantly amplified across the world. Israel’s adversaries do not need to invent division when Israelis publicly display it themselves.

This is precisely what Iran, Hamas, Hezbollah, and other enemies hope to see.

Military strength alone cannot guarantee victory. National resilience also depends upon public confidence, institutional stability, and the ability of political opponents to recognize that they ultimately belong to the same nation.

The issues confronting Israeli voters could hardly be more consequential. Security remains paramount. The fate of the remaining hostages continues to weigh heavily on the nation. Judicial reform remains unresolved. Questions surrounding military service, economic pressures, religious and secular relations, and Israel’s long term strategic direction will all influence the election.

The election in October will determine who governs the country, but it will also send a message to the world. Will Israel emerge as a nation capable of fierce democratic debate followed by responsible governance, or will political polarization continue to overshadow national unity? The answer matters far beyond Israel’s borders.

As someone who has loved Israel since childhood, having experienced both Syrian and Israeli society while growing up in the Middle East, I have always admired Israel’s resilience, openness, and democratic spirit. Those qualities inspired my lifelong commitment to defending Israel internationally.

Today, my greatest hope has nothing to do with which political bloc prevails.

It is that, once the votes are counted and coalition agreements are signed, Israelis remember a simple truth: every political party serves Israel, but Israel serves no political party. Its unity must always come first.

Sabine Sterk is the CEO of the NGO Time To Stand Up For Israel.