As Israelis prepare to vote in national elections on October 27, the confrontation with Iran has emerged as a central election issue, with opposition parties arguing that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's approach has been insufficient.

In February, Israel, alongside the United States, launched a significant military operation against Iran. Initially, this action garnered widespread support within Israel. However, the conflict paused in June following an announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump that Iran and Israel had agreed to cease hostilities. Netanyahu's decision to adhere to this ceasefire proved unpopular domestically.

Data from the Israel Democracy Institute indicates that between 65 and 70 percent of Jewish Israelis believed the cessation of hostilities did not serve the nation's security interests. This sentiment fuels the opposition's critique of Netanyahu's handling of the Iran threat.

Opposition leaders are campaigning on promises to reshape Israel's security and foreign policy. Frontrunner Gadi Eisenkot, a former military chief, asserts that the conflict with Iran is unresolved. While deeming regime change in Iran an unrealistic objective, Eisenkot criticizes Netanyahu for not adequately dismantling Iran's nuclear program.

Eisenkot stated at a recent party event that the ultimate goal must be the "destruction or dismantling of the Iranian nuclear programme," noting that Iran possesses enough highly enriched uranium to produce multiple nuclear devices. This highlights the opposition's demand for decisive action to neutralize Iran's nuclear capabilities.

Former Prime Minister Yair Lapid, currently the opposition leader in the Knesset, has labeled Netanyahu's Iran policy a strategic failure. Lapid has suggested that toppling the Iranian administration is an achievable goal that necessitates military escalation.

Lapid proposed that Israel or its allies should target Iran's energy infrastructure, specifically mentioning facilities on Kharg Island, to cripple the Iranian economy. He believes this economic devastation is the sole means to provoke a regime change.

Interestingly, such aggressive measures, including bombing civilian infrastructure, were previously advocated by Netanyahu himself. However, international condemnation, potential war crime accusations, and President Trump's lack of backing appear to have tempered his public stance on such actions.