As we are barreling toward November, the bid for control of the U.S. House and Senate is ramping up, with key battleground states being carefully watched, significant governorships up for election, and voter ID and citizenship requirements being tested in the courts. Meanwhile, another (less noticed, but no less significant) election sits closer on the horizon: Israel’s, which will take place on October 27.

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A Bit of Background

Israel is a unitary parliamentary republic where the entire country is one singular electoral district. The electorate votes for their favored political party, which is usually headed by a chosen candidate, with others ranked to take seats in the parliament. Each party wins a certain number of seats in the Knesset (Israel’s legislative body), so long as they get at least 3.25% of the votes. When the dominant party is elected, its head candidate is tasked with forming a government out of an alliance of parties that align with them. This coalition must be made out of the majority seats of the 120 total Knesset seats (61 or more); the Opposition becomes the minority body of the Knesset. This candidate then becomes Israel’s Prime Minister, who nominates other executive branch ministers (approved by the Knesset), and together they become the executive branch or “The Government”. Israel’s President (largely a ceremonial, seven-year role) is elected directly by a secret vote of the Knesset itself. The Knesset Speaker is also chosen from within a vote of the Knesset. The Israeli Supreme Court is chosen by a Judicial Selection Committee, made up of judges, government ministers, Knesset members, and Israel Bar Association representatives. Israeli courts have a three-layer hierarchy (Supreme Court, district courts, and magistrates’ courts), but there is also a system of Rabbinical, Sharia, and Druze religious courts. Israel’s government represents a fusion of the three branches of government with tight accountability; it does not maintain a strict separation of powers.

Looking at the landscape of favored political parties and their leadership, we see some very interesting dynamics:

Gadi Eisenkot is the former Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff, who leads the Yashar (“Straight”) party. If he were to succeed, his government coalition would focus on a very pragmatic military-security partnership with the U.S., but would be less naturally aligned with President Trump’s aggressive, right-leaning populist agenda. He opposes a traditional two-state solution and supports settlement expansion.

Naftali Bennett is the leader of the B-Yachad (“Together”) party, which is actually a merger of two: the “Bennett 2026” party and the Yesh Atid (“There is a Future”) party. This union makes for somewhat strange bedfellows. Yair Lapid heads the Yesh Atid (a centrist, secular liberal party) that focuses on reform and middle-class economic issues. Lapid is one of the few mainstream Israeli leaders who has publicly endorsed a two-state solution. Bennett himself is more of a hard-line, right-wing nationalist, who is pro-market (capitalist) and historically has been a vocal champion of the Israeli settlements in the West Bank, but stands in opposition to a Palestinian state. Their goal is to unseat Netanyahu’s hold on governmental power.

Benjamin Netanyahu leads the Likud (“The Unity”) party, which is a long-standing right-wing party that advocates for free-market policies, is hawkish on Israeli security, and strong on national sovereignty. He currently leads as Prime Minister of the very slim majority (only 64 seats) coalition government, made mostly of the Likud and support from religious parties (Shas, UTJ, Religious Zionism). He has served as Prime Minister three separate times for a total of 19 years. Polls indicate a varying degree of support from the electorate for the Likud party. Prime Minister Netanyahu has been the target of both internal probes and international scrutiny (and often vilification) for questions ranging from fraud to security failures during October 7 to “crimes against humanity.” President Trump has risen to his defense multiple times, even when a crony, socialist municipal leader tried to flex authority that he didn’t have to arrest the Prime Minister. Prime Minister Netanyahu has built a strong reputation with President Trump, but the question remains whether he still holds the same charisma among his own people.

Both the Jerusalem Post and the Times of Israel agree that the election seems uncertain at this time. But at the forefront of voters’ minds are questions regarding unrest from the ongoing war with Iran, foreign affairs, national security, along with looming questions regarding the security failures that led to the October 7, 2023, atrocities.

5 Ways to Pray for the Israeli Elections

1. Pray for Godly Government Over Israel

For not from the east, nor from the west, Nor from the desert comes exaltation. But God is the Judge; He puts down one and lifts up another (Psalm 75:6-7 AMP)

The scepter of the wicked will not remain over the land allotted to the righteous, for then the righteous might use their hands to do evil (Psalm 125:3 NIV).

The ancient Israeli King David’s last words included a charge for government rulers to uphold justice and to fear the Lord (2 Samuel 23:3). We know, as intercessors, it is the will of God and our duty to pray for godly government to prevail in every society, including Israel. The evidence of this kind of government is clearly laid out in 1 Timothy 2:1-4: It brings civil order, stability, and prosperity: peace (shalom) and quiet for the innocent (those leading godly and holy lives). It opens doors of freedom for the Gospel to advance (that all may come to a “knowledge of the truth”). According to Romans 13:1-6, this kind of government maintains clear governing authority that commands respect not only to collect tax revenue, but to put down rebellion, lawlessness, and injustice. It also adequately and fairly maintains a sword of wrath against evildoers (both individuals and nations) in order to protect the innocent.

Prayer: LORD, it is Your will for righteousness to hold the helm of authority in the land, rather than for wicked, secular, or ungodly rulers to oppress the populace. You take down rulers and put others up (Dan. 2:21), so that Your sovereign plan will be fulfilled, and so that righteous people are not forced to or are otherwise inadvertently partaking in decisions that are evil. We stand upon this declaration as a promise for You to exalt righteousness in the Land of Israel and to remove wickedness from holding a scepter over it.

2. Pray for Jewish Leaders and People to Align With the Word of God

Where there is no vision [no revelation of God and His word], the people are unrestrained [perish]; But happy and blessed is he who keeps the law [of God] (Proverbs 29:18, AMP).

My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge… (Hosea 4:6 NKJV).

The Jewish people are often divided and uncertain because of a lack of understanding about their biblical identity and the covenant promises which are afforded them in the Tanakh (Old Testament) and re-affirmed in the Brit Chadashah (New Testament), namely, their right to exist as a nation (Jer. 31:35, 36), their right to national sovereignty (Ex. 19:5-6), their right to national defense (Deut. 20:1-4; Neh. 4:14; Esther 8:11), the right to the entire, undivided Land promised to them forever (Ps. 105:8-11; Joel 3:2; Acts 17:26; Rom. 11:28; Rom. 9:4, 5); their right to wear His Name and be called “God’s people” (1 Sam. 12:22; Ez. 36:22), and their right to inherit the salvation of the New Covenant through the Jewish Messiah, Jesus, the final eternal King of the Jewish people (Jer. 31:31-34; Heb. 8:8-13).

Prayer: Jesus, we know that a blessing remains over Israel because of Your faithfulness, Your unending love, and Your own Name’s sake (1 Sam. 12:22), but this blessing is augmented through their faith and acknowledgment of You as their God, agreement with Your Word and promises, and especially personal faith in the Jewish King and Messiah, Jesus/Yeshua. Stir up their minds, their hearts, their spirits through a spirit of faith and conscious awareness of Your Providential hand in their nation, their personal lives, and the revelation of You as their Eternal King.

3. Pray for Unity Within the House of Jacob (Israel)

And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand (Mark 3:25 ESV).

How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!… For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore (Ps. 133:1, 3).

As outlined above, political fragmentation (“Ask two Jews, get three opinions”), theological and philosophical divergence, emotional and spiritual wounds, and ungodly mindsets all have compounded generational and spiritual divides. Donna Phillips (IFA State Leader for Texas) brought forth an amazing prayer point during our IFA Israel Prayer Call back in August. On August 24, 2026, Israel announced the discovery of the Altalena, found largely intact beneath the Mediterranean Sea 78 years after it was intentionally sunk; its whereabouts were unknown for 78 years. Now it has been found approximately 20 kilometers offshore and 1,650 feet beneath the sea. The discovery resurrects the memory of old wounds and bitter divides between two factions: one (the Haganah) which followed the leadership of David Ben-Gurion and the socialist labor movement in consolidating the IDF into one group and practiced havlagah (restraint); and the other (the Irgun/Etzel), which was a nationalist, right-wing, paramilitary group led by Menachem Begin that favored a more aggressive military stance against British rule and Arab forces. The conflict between them brought the newly reformed Jewish state (only five weeks old) to the brink of a catastrophic civil war: 19 Israelis died in the purposeful attack on the ship, ordered by Ben-Gurion. Now, at such a critical point in history, the nation and Jewish people worldwide need solidarity. Pray against bitter internal political rivalry, religious-secular divides, and cultural prejudices that cause internal self-sabotage. Pray that internal factions realize their mutual dependence before major crises force cooperation, fostering a proactive spirit of national brotherhood.

Prayer: Lord, we pray for the House of Jacob/Israel to be truly united, and especially to be in accordance with Your will and purpose – as it is in heaven. End divisiveness and bring about complete unity and cooperation with You. Cause reconciliation among families, tribes, and culturally diverse expressions that exist in Israel and among the Jewish people. We pray especially for the Messianic Church in Israel to have great unity of heart, vision, and resources. We pray for the spirit of unity – for peace (shalom) to flow between believers in the Land, so that You command a blessing (Psalm 133). We pray for a complete union with You and wholeness of mind, body, soul, and spirit as a testimony of Your complete work of salvation – saving them to the “uttermost” (Heb. 7:25). Beyond this, we ask for a general grace to settle upon the whole Land of Israel, over all its people, and throughout its government. Heal past wounds of intense civil division and extreme self-blame. Allow Your grace to rain upon the hearts of every Jewish person, so they feel and encounter Your love, Your shalom, and Your hope. For you, Lord Jesus (Yeshua), is the Balm of Gilead to heal the Jewish wounds (Jer. 8:22).

4. Pray that Messianic Believers Are Platformed and Positioned in Government

Godliness makes a nation great, but sin is a disgrace to any people (Prov. 14:34 NLT).

When the righteous prosper, the city rejoices; when the wicked perish, there are shouts of joy. Through the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, but by the mouth of the wicked it is destroyed (Prov. 11:10, 11 NIV).

Jewish people who believe their Messiah has already come in the person of Yeshua (Jesus) have contended for decades for recognition within Israeli life. They have often been treated as second-class citizens in Israel, or (by some) not considered “Jewish” at all. In the 60s and 70s, they often came under Christian ministries as “Hebrew Christians,” largely keeping a low profile as an “underground” network. Once they found their voice, and with the migration of American Jewish believers in the late 60s, independent, Hebrew-speaking congregations began being established all over Israel. Jewish believers in Yeshua (Jesus) have gained even more traction after the fall of the Soviet Union, when many Russian/Hebrew congregations grew in the Land. After the turn of the millennium, a whole new generation of Sabras (native-born) Messianic believers has emerged, bringing traction and favor as equal citizens in Israel. Yet they still face harsh persecution from ultra-Orthodox Jews. Despite this resistance, some are being called into the government mountain to serve as “salt and light” within the political realm. One such individual is Hananya Naftali, who served as a digital and social media aide to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, but is very open about his Messianic faith.

Prayer: We pray for Messianic believers to arise to positions of influence all throughout Israeli governance and culture. Make a way for them to have favor because of their belief in the Messiah, and not be excluded or discriminated against because of it. Godliness will bring blessing and prosperity to a nation, or even a city/region. But sin will bring shame and disgrace. We know that godliness in individuals (due to their faith in Christ) naturally results in a better community and society. The overall health and well-being of the nation improve simply because there are believers who choose to live out their faith in practical ways in the spheres of culture and intentionally bless (instead of curse) their cities and nations. Lord, Your righteousness in them causes them to live fruitful lives that bless the world around them, making the nation great again. Let true humility and faith arise in Israel’s government. As God’s elect, we bless Jerusalem and Israel, according to Psalm 11:11.

5. Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem and Israel

Seek peace [shalom] and well-being for the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf; for in its peace (well-being) you will have peace (Jeremiah 29:7 AMP).

For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent, for Jerusalem’s sake I will not remain quiet, till her vindication shines out like the dawn, her salvation like a blazing torch (Isaiah 62:1 NIV).

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May they prosper who love you [holy city] (Psalm 122:6 AMP).

Not only is praying for the peace of Jerusalem a scriptural directive, but it is also one that carries a promise with it: prosperity and well-being for those who practice it, especially when accompanied by a heart posture of love. When Gentile nations grasp the privilege of being like Ruth and uniting themselves to the Jewish people and the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel (Jacob’s new name), they receive a blessing, just like Ruth did.

Prayer: We pray for the peace/shalom of Jerusalem (Shalom means “peace, harmony, wholeness, completeness, prosperity, and welfare”). We pray against attacks, conflict, chaos, and unrest in the nation. We ask for Your presence to rest upon them, and to bring harmony among all the people, even those who don’t know You. When enemies surround Jerusalem, we ask for the promise of Zechariah 12:8 – On that day the LORD will shield those who live in Jerusalem, so that the feeblest among them will be like David, and the house of David will be like God, like the angel of the LORD going before them.

Declaration and Final Prayer

We declare: Jesus the Messiah (Christ) is the Seed of David and the only rightful heir to the throne of David and the government of all of Israel. He inherited an unbroken lineage and kingdom and is the final and eternal King of Israel, the King of all the Jewish people, and King of all the earth (Ps. 47:7). We exalt His Supreme, Exalted Majesty, and pray for the eternal Kingdom to once again be established among the Jewish people, to be recognized by them. They will “honor Me before the whole world” (Is. 43:21). He is the King of all rulers, and all power is His (Zech. 14:9; Isaiah 6; Rev. 19:16). We pray that Your kingdom would come and Your will be done over and through the political sphere in Israel. They are under Your sovereign domain. We pray for radical changes to realign Israel’s government with Your purposes and reign. Guide the decisions of the courts, of the Knesset, and the Prime Minister, and all the local governing authorities to be in accordance with Your divine will and purposes in heaven. End divisiveness and bring about unity and cooperation with You. We pray for the current and future leaders in Israel, including the Prime Minister, the Knesset, Israeli courts, the mayor of Jerusalem, and all those in the military leadership and service, for great wisdom and revelation. Raise up government leaders in Israel who will recognize Yeshua and the unique significance of Israel and its eternal capital, Jerusalem, in God’s end-time purposes.

Share your prayers for Israel and its upcoming elections in the comments below.

(Brian Friess is an IFA State Leader and Contributing Writer. Photo Credit: Amir Levy/Getty Images)